perplex
verb
per·plex
pər-ˈpleks 
perplexed; perplexing; perplexes
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
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
As a nearly life-long Democrat from a fifth-generation Kansas family farm, a family of Trump supporters, and married to a self-professed, ultra-MAGA Trumper, I’m perplexed.
—
Ted Trimpa, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024
They were perplexed, but their relationship with their son was already rocky.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024
Many fans seemed to be perplexed by the performance, as many remained seated.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024
These aren’t the only causes of the crash, which has left the community perplexed about the cause and any potential fixes or precautions users can take.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perplex 
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Ted Trimpa, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024
They were perplexed, but their relationship with their son was already rocky.
—Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024
Many fans seemed to be perplexed by the performance, as many remained seated.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024
These aren’t the only causes of the crash, which has left the community perplexed about the cause and any potential fixes or precautions users can take.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for perplex
Dictionary Entries Near perplex
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perplex. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perplex
verb
per·plex
pər-ˈpleks
1
: to block the understanding of
especially
: confuse sense 1a, bewilder
2
: to make difficult to understand : complicate
perplexed
adjective
-ˈplekst
perplexedly
adverb
-ˈplek-səd-lē
-ˈpleks-tlē
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