perplex
verb (used with object)
to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain; confuse mentally.
is perplexing
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present progressiveof perplex (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate 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.
Some works are paradigmatic, some rather generic; the inclusion of others is perplexing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 28, 2026
The decision for the panel to discuss thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that has not been used in most vaccines for decades, is perplexing, Dr Hanage said.
From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2025
Newby’s statement is perplexing, given his own experience in 2020, when he trailed on election night before ultimately defeating, by just 401 votes, his opponent, then–Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.
From Slate ● Jan. 24, 2025
Though he has coordinated strong Dallas defenses the past three years — all top seven or better in points allowed — the failure against Green Bay last week’s 48-32 playoff loss is perplexing.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 19, 2024
Nothing is perplexing if there is an island.
From Geography and Plays by Gertrude Stein
