as in baffled
faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do
the convoluted instructions for calibrating a high-definition television will leave many consumers utterly perplexed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in complicated
to make complex or difficult
let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in puzzled
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of perplexed
Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Fanning brings the perplexed heartbreak to Sylvie that the role requires.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024
The mystery of the vulture’s decline perplexed scientists for years.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
He’s likewise perplexed that heavy industry is to be entrusted with solving the climate crisis.
—Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perplexed 
Adjective
The film is a fish-out-of-water caper, as two exotic art weirdos attempt to charm ranchers and perplexed local officials.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Fanning brings the perplexed heartbreak to Sylvie that the role requires.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 23 Dec. 2024
The mystery of the vulture’s decline perplexed scientists for years.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
He’s likewise perplexed that heavy industry is to be entrusted with solving the climate crisis.
—Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
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Now, a development that once baffled educators and administrators is ready to go mainstream.—
Lexi Lonas Cochran,
The Hill,
31 Dec. 2024
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Other stories explore similar themes in equally bizarre situations: In 1880s London, a very suave Joseph Merrick, aka The Elephant Man, flirts shamelessly with the smitten wife of his very baffled doctor (Goldsberry and Kind, respectively).—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Hubbard’s bewildered eyes locked on Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles community reshaped by flames.—
Bryce Miller,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Feb. 2025
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Anyone else is likely to emerge unharmed, if a little bewildered that these good-looking but skin-deep figures merited feature treatment.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
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Many were left confused as to how or why the Yankees couldn't have matched that number to bring the Gold Glove first baseman to the Bronx.—
Gord Magill,
Newsweek,
21 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near perplexed
Cite this Entry
“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexed. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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