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.

Some works are paradigmatic, some rather generic; the inclusion of others is perplexing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Though her film is singularly witty, Kramer refuses to shy away from tough subjects and perplexing contradictions.

From Salon

Another former employee, who gave her name only as Wong, said she felt unhappy and perplexed on the day the Apple Daily closed.

From Barron's

The growing numbers of younger people being diagnosed with bowel cancer has left doctors worldwide perplexed.

From Barron's

However, it has been “a little perplexing why stocks have sold off the way they have” for the most recent round of IPOs, he said.

From Barron's