perplex
verb (used with object)
to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain; confuse mentally.
have perplexed
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present perfectof perplex.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
If it succeeds, Axiom might just crack problems that have perplexed mere humans for centuries.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025
These fundamental questions of agency -- acting with purpose -- have perplexed some of the greatest minds in history including Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Erwin Schrödinger and Niels Bohr.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 18, 2023
The drifting mats of seaweed have perplexed naturalists and sailors for centuries.
From Slate ● Jul. 16, 2023
These trends have perplexed Antarctic scientists, who are still debating the exact causes.
From Scientific American ● Apr. 20, 2022
Two precious villains—Carbon and Azote— They have perplexed me heretofore; but now The thing is plain enough.
From Graham's Magazine Vol XXXII. No. 3. March 1848 by Robert Taylor Conrad
