perplex

verb

per·​plex pər-ˈpleks 

perplexed; perplexing; perplexes

transitive verb

1

: to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something

her attitude perplexes me

a perplexing problem

2

: to make intricate or involved : complicate

Synonyms

• complex
• complexify
• complicate
• embarrass
• entangle
• sophisticate

Choose the Right Synonym for perplex

puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally.

puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Examples of perplex in a Sentence

Questions about the meaning of life have always perplexed humankind.

let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns

Recent Examples on the Web

The Highlanders’ zone defense can perplex their opponents. —Steve Fryer, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025

The box office achievement category continues to perplex For its sophomore year, this category — meant to ensure that movies most people have actually seen do at least get some kind of awards recognition at the Globes — still managed to secure some curious choices. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024

The Cards Against Humanity problem is mentioned near the end of the lengthy Reuters article, which says that a neighbor was the first to notice the alleged land takeover: Neighbors of Starbase continue to be perplexed by some of SpaceX's activities. —Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 20 Sep. 2024

Advertisement The enforcement has perplexed local immigrant advocates, who questioned why the Biden administration was using its final weeks to target Central Valley migrant workers for deportation. —Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

obsolete perplex, adjective, involved, perplexed, from Latin perplexus, from per- thoroughly + plexus involved, from past participle of plectere to braid, twine — more at per-, ply

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

perplex

verb

per·​plex pər-ˈpleks 

1

: to block the understanding of

especially : confuse sense 1a, bewilder

2

: to make difficult to understand : complicate

perplexed

-ˈplekst

adjective

perplexedly

-ˈplek-səd-lē

-ˈpleks-tlē

adverb