as in baffling
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in complicating
to make complex or difficult
let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the question perplexed me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of perplexing
Bryan Mena, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
Seeing parents date, whatever the relationship style, can be perplexing.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 24 Mar. 2025
The on again, off again nature and moving target with respect to what will and won’t be taxed, as well as the rate, has been perplexing, to say the least.
—Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
But the question is perplexing to the person perhaps most responsible for the shift to the unhyphenated form of the word — Deborah Lipstadt, the Holocaust scholar who served as special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism in the Biden administration.
—Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Adjective
The Trump administration’s rapid-fire policy changes have also been perplexing for the Fed, which is tasked with managing borrowing costs.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
Seeing parents date, whatever the relationship style, can be perplexing.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 24 Mar. 2025
The on again, off again nature and moving target with respect to what will and won’t be taxed, as well as the rate, has been perplexing, to say the least.
—Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
But the question is perplexing to the person perhaps most responsible for the shift to the unhyphenated form of the word — Deborah Lipstadt, the Holocaust scholar who served as special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism in the Biden administration.
—Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexing
Adjective
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While Joel is essentially the same character in both, Ellie was changed in pretty baffling ways for the show.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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But the reality is that this was a microcosm of this thrilling, frustrating and baffling Wolves season.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Researchers are particularly focused on unraveling the puzzling interplay between gas content, magma pressure and lava flow dynamics.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
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Almost two years into his ordeal, Gould learned of an initiative at the National Institutes of Health that focuses on solving the country’s most puzzling medical cases.—
Jason Liebowitz,
The Atlantic,
2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Very few things are more frustrating than Wi-Fi that lags mid-stream, mid-binge, or mid-video calls.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
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As frustrating as learning my bearings can be at times, the a-ha moments are always a joy.—
Diego Argüello,
Rolling Stone,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The formula at the core of President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement that continues to rattle markets is bewildering economists, who say it is based on flawed assumptions.—
Erin Doherty,
CNBC,
5 Apr. 2025
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The ominous thriller received a second trailer on Tuesday (April 1) as the Toronto singer/actor took viewers further into his bewildering odyssey.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The doc chronicles the events and tactics that transformed live performance from disorganized, low-fi events to international tours, arenas, and, eventually, into a global empire — and at 86 years old, Delsener is still at it, and remains a familiar presence at New York concerts.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
27 Mar. 2025
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The Bay Area’s NWSL side could be playing in a distracted and disorganized fashion, what with the active investigation into Montoya and the coaching staff that is hanging over their heads.—
Christian Babcock,
The Mercury News,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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If readers are confused, consider yet again that Instagram could claim all of 30 million users when its acquisition was announced.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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Those who lost their Medicaid health care reported being unaware or confused about how to report work hours.—
Phil Galewitz,
NPR,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Brazil was sloppy and unorganized in defense, which allowed Argentina to attack effectively in transition.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
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Some of these independent and semi-independent groups already bemoan Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s signing of Minsk II and have been critical of civilian and military officials’ handling of the war, particularly the unorganized Ukrainian retreat at Debaltseve.—
Paul Stronski,
Foreign Affairs,
17 Mar. 2015
Adjective
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Consequently, disordered labor disputes have added to the sense of lawlessness and have worsened the economic decline.—
Lindsay Benstead,
Foreign Affairs,
14 Feb. 2013
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In the past, Jamil has openly discussed her own journey recovering from anorexia and disordered eating.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
27 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Perplexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexing. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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