perplex
verb (used with object)
to cause to be puzzled or bewildered over what is not understood or certain; confuse mentally.
perplexes
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present tense formof perplex (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
“What perplexes me is that despite the plant being known for its stinky smell, it also produces several sweet-smelling chemicals.”
From Salon ● May 27, 2025
Illegal shootings are “an overriding issue that just perplexes the heck out of me,” said Brian Millsap, an ornithologist at New Mexico State University.
From New York Times ● Aug. 3, 2023
“It’s one of the questions that perplexes me.”
From Slate ● Oct. 30, 2022
Still, the trajectory of the conflict perplexes him.
From Washington Post ● May 21, 2022
I do not despair, though having so many bills to pay, and no money, perplexes me extremely.
From The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution Volume 7. by Various
