Definitions

perplex

[per-pleks] / pərˈplɛks /

VERB

confuse, mix up

Synonyms

STRONGEST

astonish astound baffle befuddle bewilder complicate confound dumbfound encumber mystify nonplus perturb puzzle surprise

STRONG

balk beset buffalo discombobulate discompose entangle fog involve jumble muck muddle pose rattle ravel stumble stump tangle thicken thwart

WEAK

get to muddy the waters snarl up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist bore calm clarify clear up enlighten expect explain explicate help

STRONG

exclude order organize soothe untangle untwist

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Joao Neves, Kvaratskhelia and Mendes ended up on the left flank in close proximity - an asymmetrical set-up intended to perplex Liverpool.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Zika, a mosquito-borne virus first identified in 1947 in a Rhesus macaque monkey, continues to perplex scientists in many ways nearly 80 years later.

From Salon • Feb. 3, 2025

This pattern of abruptly rejecting safe foods can perplex parents and clinicians alike and, on the surface, can look like dieting.

From Slate • Jan. 4, 2025

“Brand New Key” wasn’t the first No. 1 song to perplex listeners, and it wouldn’t be the last.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2024

Yusef wasn’t terrified of girls in hijab; they didn’t perplex him.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi

Vocabulary lists containing perplex

List 1

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In a Pickle: Words for When You're in Trouble

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

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