Perplex — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /pər-ˈpleks/ per·plex

Meaning & Definition of Perplex

Perplex (verb)

  1. to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something
  2. to make intricate or involved, complicate

Perplex (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make complex or difficult

    "let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns"

    similar: complex, complexify, complicate, embarrass, entangle, sophisticate
    related: develop, elaborate, expand, intensify, magnify, confound, confuse, mess (up), mix (up), muddle, snarl, tangle
    opposite: simplify, streamline
    near: abbreviate, cut, shorten, ease, facilitate, disentangle, straighten (out), unravel, untangle, oversimplify

  2. to throw into a state of mental uncertainty

    "the question perplexed me"

    similar: addle, baffle, bamboozle, beat, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, buffalo, confound, confuse, discombobulate, disorient, flummox, fox, fuddle, get, gravel, maze, muddle, muddy, mystify, pose, puzzle, vex, blow one's mind, go to one's head
    related: stick, stump, weird out, abash, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, nonplus, rattle, agitate, bother, chagrin, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, stun, unhinge, unsettle, upset, beguile, cozen, deceive, delude, dupe, fool, gull, hoax, hoodwink, humbug, misguide, mislead, snow, string along, take in, trick
    near: assure, reassure, satisfy, enlighten, inform

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Perplex

The most common words with a similar meaning to Perplex:

complex, complexify, complicate, embarrass, entangle, sophisticate, addle, baffle, bamboozle, beat, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, buffalo, confound, confuse, discombobulate, disorient, flummox, fox, fuddle, get, gravel, maze, muddle, muddy, mystify, pose, puzzle, vex, blow one's mind, go to one's head

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Perplex

Words with the opposite meaning of Perplex:

simplify, streamline

Related Words for Perplex

develop, elaborate, expand, intensify, magnify, mess (up), mix (up), snarl, tangle, stick, stump, weird out, abash, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, faze, fluster, mortify, nonplus, rattle, agitate, bother, chagrin, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturb

Near Antonyms of Perplex

abbreviate, cut, shorten, ease, facilitate, disentangle, straighten (out), unravel, untangle, oversimplify, assure, reassure, satisfy, enlighten, inform

Word Forms of Perplex

Inflections: perplexed, perplexing, perplexes

Origin & Etymology of Perplex

obsolete perplex, adjective, involved, perplexed, from Latin perplexus, from per- thoroughly + plexus involved, from past participle of plectere to braid, twine per-, ply

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Perplex

What does "Perplex" mean?

"Perplex" means to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something. As a verb, it is defined as: to make unable to grasp something clearly or to think logically and decisively about something. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Perplex"?

Other words for "Perplex" include complex, complexify, complicate, embarrass, entangle, sophisticate, addle and baffle. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Perplex" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Perplex"?

There are 84 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Perplex". Common alternatives include complex, complexify, complicate, embarrass, entangle, sophisticate, addle, baffle, bamboozle and beat.

What is the opposite of "Perplex"?

Antonyms of "Perplex" include simplify and streamline. Near antonyms include abbreviate, cut, shorten and ease.

How do you use "Perplex" in a sentence?

Examples of "Perplex" in a sentence: "let's not perplex the issue further with irrelevant concerns"; "the question perplexed me".

Is "Perplex" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Perplex" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Perplex"?

"Perplex" is pronounced /pər-ˈpleks/ and divided into syllables as per·plex.

What is the origin of the word "Perplex"?

"Perplex" comes from obsolete perplex, adjective, involved, perplexed, from Latin perplexus, from per- thoroughly + plexus involved, from past participle of plectere to braid, twine per-, ply. First known use: 15th century.