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
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Recent Examples of perplexed
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
Adjective
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexed
Adjective
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Delap’s cannon shoulders struck fear into a baffled division, like a medieval army who looked across the battlefield and realised that the opposing forces had technology far beyond theirs.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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The Tensor series uses a double layer of reflective film insulation, with a baffled air chamber design, which helps keep it quiet.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Because, as the bewildered Jackson says in response, Who hates guitars?—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
21 May 2025
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Also speaking to camera, the various members of the Girard family waver between resentment and bewildered confusion.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
15 May 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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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 3 Jun. 2025.
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