as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty seeing her perplexity, the teacher stepped in with a helpful hint
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of perplexity Watch with any attention, and one begins to see his tricks: the squinty perplexity, the restless hands, the worry lines deepened in concentration, then suddenly relaxed. —
Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 This story is one of many that showcase the perplexities that encompass being a mother and a human raising other humans, which is not a small task. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025 Doing so nine days since the transfer portal opened on March 24 only adds to the perplexity. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2025 Sleep—which, when things go well, consumes a third of our lives—poses two opposed existential perplexities. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perplexity
Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 This story is one of many that showcase the perplexities that encompass being a mother and a human raising other humans, which is not a small task. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025 Doing so nine days since the transfer portal opened on March 24 only adds to the perplexity. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2025 Sleep—which, when things go well, consumes a third of our lives—poses two opposed existential perplexities. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perplexity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perplexity
Noun
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Keep your tone calm, but don’t leave room for confusion.— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
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Some confusion led to a 50/50 jump ball, which Miami won and worked in a cross, and Germán Berterame headed it in at the back post.— Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The conditions may also make coastal California feel more humid and muggy because of the loss of cooling fog and because warmer air holds more moisture, according to Swain.— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
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Together, the synergy of Mercury and Neptune in Aries can feel like the restlessness of trying to make a decision while in a fog.— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perplexity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/perplexity. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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