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perplex

verb
per·​plex | \ pÉ™r-ˈpleks How to pronounce perplex (audio) \
perplexed; perplexing; perplexes

Definition of perplex

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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about perplex

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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

 Now, Collins is on the ground attempting to solve a puzzle that’s perplexed an industry approaching $1 billion revenues — where are all the female gamers? — Jake Seiner, The Denver Post, "All-girls school becomes first in U.S. with varsity esports," 28 July 2019 Now, Collins is on the ground attempting to solve a puzzle that’s perplexed an industry approaching $1 billion revenues — where are all the female gamers? — Washington Post, "All-girls school becomes 1st in US with varsity esports," 23 July 2019 For the past decade, DARPA Z-Man scientists have struggled with a challenge that has perplexed scientists since Aristotle: How the hell does a gecko run up and down a tree? — Dan Dubno, Popular Mechanics, "Anyone Can Be Spider-Man With DARPA's Wall-Climbing Invention," 7 Dec. 2016 The checkout girl, a sweet-faced kid with a wedding ring and lacquered black hair, was perplexed. — Chris Rush, Harper's magazine, "Love and Acid," 19 Aug. 2019 Indeed, after Reed received the tutor’s question, he was also perplexed as to why 12.5 wasn’t an acceptable answer. — Andrew Daniels, Popular Mechanics, "The Complex SAT Math Problem Even the College Board Got Wrong," 6 Aug. 2019 The unusual, ultra-small creature called Callichimaera perplexa - which stands for perplexing beautiful chimera - doesn't seem to have much in common with modern-day crabs. — Fox News, "Scientists discover bizarre 'nightmare' crab with cartoon eyes," 23 July 2019 Some were perplexed by the specifics of the cats' anatomy: why the human/cat hybrids had breasts, for instance, or where exactly their tails protruded from. — Emily Dixon, CNN, "The 'Cats' trailer is here and it's horrifying the internet," 19 July 2019 Kumail Nanjiani, his Stuber co-star who surprised him on Kimmel, was perplexed by Bautista’s new gig. — Nick Romano, EW.com, "Dave Bautista gets his own spoof Netflix comedy special from Jimmy Kimmel," 11 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perplex.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of perplex

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for perplex

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

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More Definitions for perplex

perplex

verb
How to pronounce perplex (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of perplex

: to confuse (someone) very much

See the full definition for perplex in the English Language Learners Dictionary

perplex

verb
per·​plex | \ pÉ™r-ˈpleks How to pronounce perplex (audio) \
perplexed; perplexing

Kids Definition of perplex

: to make unable to understand : confuse The math lesson perplexed me.

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More from Merriam-Webster on perplex

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with perplex

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perplex

Spanish Central: Translation of perplex

Nglish: Translation of perplex for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of perplex for Arabic Speakers

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