1
as in complicates
to make complex or difficult
let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bewilders
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 perplexes
But the unknown in that equation is what perplexes the Mavericks and has the team stuck for now.
—
Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexes
Verb
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Venezuela’s external liabilities, including arbitration claims and bilateral debts — estimated at $150 billion to $170 billion, according to Reuters — complicates any recovery timeline, said Eric Fine, a portfolio manager from VanEck.—
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Natanya complicates her old-school character sketch with cerebral shifts in perspective, affecting each of the voices that accompany a young woman’s drive for success and independence (demanding friends and parents, sexist expectations, her own willpower) in a lurching cascade of melodies.—
Verb
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Nandi is experiencing severe insomnia, tremors and psychosis, and her quickly deteriorating condition bewilders the emergency room staff.—
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The designs were puckish and gender-bending, evoking both awe and repulsion—the sort of clothing that titillates lovers of conceptual fashion and bewilders the uninitiated.—
Verb
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Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.—
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There, the father of the bride gets too drunk and embarrasses himself.—
Verb
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Red Rising is a book that seems to confuses some politically right-leaning readers, something which frustrates but doesn’t surprise Abughazaleh.—
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Mars’ clash with Neptune clouds your judgment and confuses your intuition.—
Verb
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Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.—
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Given his extensive wilderness experience, Pachak’s disappearance baffles those closest to him.—
Verb
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While everyone else puzzles it over, Coe is already on his way to the multi-faith ceremony at Abbotsfield, where Mayor Jaffrey is joining other mourners to honor the 11 people killed in the assault that opened the season.—
Cite this Entry
“Perplexes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perplexes. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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