perplex
Leave someone stumped
To perplex is to confuse or puzzle, especially in a way that leaves someone uncertain how to proceed: The instructions perplexed everyone.
Something perplexing resists easy understanding—it may have contradictory elements or lack obvious solutions.
Her sudden change of heart left him perplexed.
Confuse or perplex
- bewilderCause utter confusion
- puzzleChallenge testing ingenuity
- mystifyConfuse beyond understanding
- confoundTo thoroughly puzzle
flummox · stump · nonplus · befuddle · disconcert · discombobulate · faze · addle
Puzzling question to solve
- enigmaSomething hard to fathom
- conundrumPerplexing problem or question
- brainteaserPuzzle demanding clever thought
- mysterySomething unexplained or unknown
paradox · cipher · puzzlement · problem · poser · quandary · head-scratcher · stumper
State of perplexity
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- predicamentDifficult, unpleasant situation
- impasseSituation without resolution
- confusionMental disorientation or bewilderment
indecision · bewilderment · uncertainty · doubt · hesitation · crossroads · bind · muddle
baffle
Confuse or perplex
confound · flummox · stump · nonplus · befuddle · disconcert · discombobulate · faze · addle · disorient
riddle
Puzzling question to solve
- enigmaSomething hard to fathom
- conundrumPerplexing problem or question
- brainteaserPuzzle demanding clever thought
mystery · paradox · cipher · puzzlement · problem · poser · quandary · head-scratcher · stumper · teaser
quandary
State of perplexity
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- predicamentDifficult, unpleasant situation
- impasseSituation without resolution
confusion · indecision · bewilderment · uncertainty · doubt · hesitation · crossroads · bind · muddle · fog
entangle
Twist into confusion
obfuscate · cloud · blur · convolute · tangle · snarl · jumble · garble · scramble · twist
perplexclarify
Make something understandable
enlighten · elucidate · explain · illuminate · clear up
perplexsimplify
Make less complex
clarify · explain · streamline · facilitate · straighten out
perplexed, perplexing, perplexity, perplexingly, perplexes, perplexedly, perplexities