perplexed

1 of 2

adjective

per·​plexed pər-ˈplekst How to pronounce perplexed (audio)
Synonyms of perplexed
1
: filled with uncertainty : puzzled
2
: full of difficulty
perplexedly
pər-ˈplek-səd-lē How to pronounce perplexed (audio) -ˈplekst-lē How to pronounce perplexed (audio)
adverb

perplexed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of perplex

Synonyms of perplexed

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Adjective

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Examples of perplexed in a Sentence

Adjective He gave her a perplexed look. The explanation left me thoroughly perplexed.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
View this post on Instagram Many commenters were perplexed to see new content from Hilton’s account pop up. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 Guides for the aesthetically perplexed have lost their meaning. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 Even within the briefing room, reporters seemed perplexed by some of Warsh’s statements. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 29 July 2026 During an interview with Joe Rogan last week, as my colleague Helen Lewis reported, Vance acted perplexed that people had been so offended when a UFC fighter, competing in a fight at the White House, called former First Lady Michelle Obama a man. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for perplexed

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perplexed was in the 15th century

Rhymes for perplexed

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Browse Nearby Words

perplex
perplexed
perplexedly
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Cite this Entry

“Perplexed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perplexed. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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