medium
The class looked perplexed when the answer did not match the clue.
What does Perplexed mean?
Perplexed means confused because something is hard to understand.
Dictionary definition
Confused because something is hard to understand.
Example sentences
Perplexed in a sentence
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Perplexed
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does perplexed mean?
Perplexed means confused because something is hard to understand.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to perplexed?
Puzzled is close in meaning to perplexed in this context.
Practice 3
Which sentence best shows someone feeling perplexed?
This sentence gives clues that show the meaning of perplexed.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Perplexed
Voice settings
Sounds like
per · plekst · strongest beat: plekst
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordPerplexed.
Partadjective.
MeaningPerplexed means confused because something is hard to understand.
ExampleExample: The class looked perplexed when the answer did not match the clue.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- per · plekst
- Strongest beat
- plekst
- Ending
- plekst
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on plekst.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Perplexed
puzzledUse when someone is confused and thinking.
Antonyms
Opposite words
certainUse when someone feels sure.
Synonym practice
Want to practice perplexed synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The riddle left the class perplexed," then compare close word choices. Practice perplexed synonyms.
Word family
Perplexed word family
Base word
perplex
adjective
perplexing
Confusing or hard to understand.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Perplexed
Hint for students
Look for clues that show confusion or a hard problem.
Common mix-up
Perplexed is about not understanding, not about being upset with someone.
Try it in class or at home
Read the model sentence and underline the clue words that show the feeling or trait. Then write a new sentence that shows perplexed without using the word perplexed.
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The class looked perplexed when the answer did not match the clue." What clues show what perplexed means?
Word category
Explore more feelings words
This word is part of WordHive's feelings words collection. Browse more emotion words, compare close meanings, and practice using them in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Perplexed and explore more word games
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Practice PERPLEXED
Sentence Builder
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Context Clue Challenge
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Synonym Search
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