perplexing 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of perplexingnext
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as in baffling

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perplexing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of perplex
1
as in complicating
to make complex or difficult let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns

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2
as in puzzling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty the question perplexed me

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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 perplexing
Adjective
In almost no time Sophie and Laura had managed to untie one knot, only to find a tighter and far more perplexing one at its center. — Hannah Gold, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 This perplexing synergy triggers everything from mixed signals and missed messages to an overwhelming feeling that something’s just a bit… off. — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025 The inconsistent naming, Sanford noted, could initially be perplexing for travelers due to inconsistent signage, maps, and marketing materials that still use Denali. — Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 5 Feb. 2025 More Professional Wrestling: The reaction from the crowd may be perplexing for some fans, especially considering that Hogan is arguably the most popular professional wrestler to ever lace up his boots. — Jeremy Hanna, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perplexing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexing
  1. baffling
  2. puzzling
  3. frustrating
  4. bewildering
  5. disorganized
  6. confused
  7. unorganized
  8. disordered
Adjective
  • The goats have been one of the most baffling mysteries to haunt the halls of Lumon and have confused fans since season 1.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Divorce is never easy, but sometimes the reasons behind it can be downright baffling.
    — Maria Morava, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of baffling
Verb
  • Researchers are particularly focused on unraveling the puzzling interplay between gas content, magma pressure and lava flow dynamics.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Almost two years into his ordeal, Gould learned of an initiative at the National Institutes of Health that focuses on solving the country’s most puzzling medical cases.
    — Jason Liebowitz, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025
Definition of puzzling
Adjective
  • For Embiid, this is another frustrating chapter in an otherwise brilliant but injury-plagued career.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Very few severe crashes in Sacramento are followed by an arrest, and several survivors of crashes have previously said that soft or nonexistent charges were frustrating and demeaning.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of frustrating
Adjective
  • Merino wool’s versatility means there’s a bewildering array of blends and options to choose from.
    — Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Such a promise has kept Tesla diehard customers in thrall for years (even while their patience is bewildering to the rest of us).
    — Richard Bishop, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Definition of bewildering
Adjective
  • In the Ford administration, a very disorganized speechwriting operation led to one unruly Oval Office situation.
    — Tevi Troy, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
  • During inflammation, such as wound-healing and scar formation, fibroblasts lay down relatively disorganized structures.
    — Alison Escalante, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of disorganized
Adjective
  • Tuna was both curious and confused as to why Evelyn dared to leave his side.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Imagine how confused ordinary taxpayers are by this ridiculous, irresponsible, intergovernmental spat.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of confused
Adjective
  • At Vintage Frills, unorganized shelves, racks bursting with thousands of random pieces, and having to browse through mountains of fast fashion clothes bought last year—that, naturally, someone threw away when trends changed—are a thing of the past.
    — Grace Butler, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
  • That, in turn, could help businesses sort through troves of messy unorganized datasets faster and find patterns and data points to help make decisions.
    — Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 5 Feb. 2025
Definition of unorganized
Adjective
  • In the past, Jamil has openly discussed her own journey recovering from anorexia and disordered eating.
    — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Thus did the conservative loose cannonballs come eventually to dominate the GOP—and define our disordered political era.
    — Daniel Schlozman & Sam Rosenfeld / Made by History, TIME, 10 June 2024
Definition of disordered

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Cite this Entry

“Perplexing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexing. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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