perplex

verb

per·​plex pər-ˈpleks How to pronounce perplex (audio)
perplexed; perplexing; perplexes
Synonyms of perplexnext

transitive verb

1
: to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something
her attitude perplexes me
a perplexing problem
2
: to make intricate or involved : complicate

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for perplex

puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally.

puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve.

the persistent fever puzzled the doctor

perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision.

a behavior that perplexed her friends

bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking.

a bewildering number of possibilities

distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests.

distracted by personal problems

nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible.

the remark left us utterly nonplussed

confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement.

the tragic news confounded us all

dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound.

was at first too dumbfounded to reply

Examples of perplex in a Sentence

Questions about the meaning of life have always perplexed humankind. let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
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.
On the flip side, some have found peoples' infatuation with the ferocious-looking predator perplexing. — Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025 Many fans of the show are perplexed by this particular star with his cutthroat singing chops. — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 19 Feb. 2025 The Italian contractors seem to have been perplexed by the cutthroat nature of New York City construction. — Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, a Queens Democrat who has recently stepped up her criticism of the mayor, was perplexed by his refusal to slam Trump’s recent actions. — Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perplex

Word History

Etymology

obsolete perplex, adjective, involved, perplexed, from Latin perplexus, from per- thoroughly + plexus involved, from past participle of plectere to braid, twine — more at per-, ply

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for perplex

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Browse Nearby Words

perplex
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Cite this Entry

“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perplex. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

perplex

verb
per·​plex pər-ˈpleks How to pronounce perplex (audio)
1
: to block the understanding of
especially : confuse sense 1a, bewilder
2
: to make difficult to understand : complicate
perplexed
-ˈplekst
adjective
perplexedly
-ˈplek-səd-lē
-ˈpleks-tlē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on perplex

Nglish: Translation of perplex for Spanish Speakers

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