perplexed

adjective

per·​plexed pər-ˈplekst 

1

: filled with uncertainty : puzzled

2

: full of difficulty

perplexedly

pər-ˈplek-səd-lē  -ˈplekst-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of perplexed

• baffled
• bewildered
• embarrassed
• nonplussed

Examples of perplexed in a Sentence

He gave her a perplexed look.

The explanation left me thoroughly perplexed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some observers are perplexed as to why a serious adult drama is attracting the level of fan scrutiny usually reserved for genre material. —Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026

Travelers who happen by the small town of Ida Grove, Iowa, about 100 miles north of Omaha, might be intrigued (and a little perplexed) by the castle-like structures that sprang from the vision of Byron Godbersen, founder of Midwest Industries. —Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 22 Apr. 2026

Even Ohtani seemed perplexed by the break on McLean’s sweeper. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026

Levy masters one hilarious perplexed comedic reaction after another as Nicky, a closeted pastor with a zany, highly dysfunctional family. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perplexed

• ciphertext
• hypertext
• multiplexed
• teletext
• complexed
• deflexed
• plaintext
• pretext
• reflexed
• subtext
• flexed
• next