perplexed

adjective

per·​plexed pər-ˈplekst How to pronounce perplexed (audio)
1
: filled with uncertainty : puzzled
2
: full of difficulty

Examples of perplexed in a Sentence

He gave her a perplexed look. The explanation left me thoroughly perplexed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ellie seemed perplexed when she was told by police that her father was missing. Lauren A. White, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2025 This was followed by a photo of Bronze, who was also wearing Crocs, holding another fish on the end of a line and looking a little perplexed. Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Kingsbury seemed perplexed in November when a reporter asked about his offenses failing to sustain fast starts during a season. Mike Sando, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 Jacob Bernstein joins us to discuss the story that has riveted—and perplexed—Hollywood. Air Mail, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perplexed

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perplexed was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perplexed. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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