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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of perplexed
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
LaCroix shared a series of Instagram posts announcing the launch, and the reception has been, well, a little perplexed.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2025
Fans were a bit perplexed in the comments of the video.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
In the clip, Doncic seems perplexed that happened, and ultimately shrugs it off.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Adjective
Despite this return, her limited appearances on WWE television, consisting of only two matches, have left fans perplexed and curious about her current status.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
LaCroix shared a series of Instagram posts announcing the launch, and the reception has been, well, a little perplexed.
—Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2025
Fans were a bit perplexed in the comments of the video.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
In the clip, Doncic seems perplexed that happened, and ultimately shrugs it off.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perplexed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
-
Chasing perfection this offseason required Webb to tweak the pitch that, ironically, most baffled hitters.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Surrounding the headliners are grumpy arena security, who spend the night wearing baffled expressions watching a sea of adults cheer and laugh and applaud over imaginary characters engaged in battles no one can actually see, and rolls of acrylic dice just 16 millimeters in size.—
Eric Francisco,
Rolling Stone,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In the two years since Tommy Elliott was killed in a mass shooting, Maryanne Elliott’s grief has, in turns, left her aghast and overwhelmed, bewildered and incapacitated, grateful and wanting to die.—
Kristina Goetz,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
-
In the now-viral video, the tuxedo cat crawls out from under the bed, wide-eyed and bewildered.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Not to be confused with DEI training, skill building is a way to help people improve their communication skills, negotiation style and overall understanding of relevant topics, all while leveling up professionally.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexed. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share