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
In the clip, Ortega’s Astrid Deetz and Catherine O’Hara’s Delia Deetz mirror each other’s movements in a round of choreography that leaves them both looking perplexed, as though they’ve been possessed and aren’t in control of their own bodies.
—
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2024
Some of these often-brief appearances left the family perplexed.
—Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024
Many were perplexed with Trump’s pick, however, noting Vance’s past statements that were highly critical of Trump, and Trump’s penchant for absolute loyalty.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2024
The uniform shape of the blob fossils also perplexed Dr. Plotnick.
—Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for perplex 
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2024
Some of these often-brief appearances left the family perplexed.
—Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024
Many were perplexed with Trump’s pick, however, noting Vance’s past statements that were highly critical of Trump, and Trump’s penchant for absolute loyalty.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2024
The uniform shape of the blob fossils also perplexed Dr. Plotnick.
—Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 14 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for perplex
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perplex.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near perplex
Cite this Entry
“Perplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perplex. Accessed 18 Aug. 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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