perplexity

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.

Most amusing is the creators’ sincere perplexity at their creations being taken seriously.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

The mainstream press expressed perplexity at his embrace of an Irish cultural identity "despite being born and raised in England".

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2025

The authors expressed perplexity about why excess deaths actually rose in 2021, despite the arrival of the vaccines and the implementation of social anti-pandemic measures, and remained elevated the following year.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2024

“It seems that the sea was calm,” Francis said, seemingly expressing perplexity that such a grave tragedy could happen in those conditions.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 18, 2023

General Dreedle’s great, red domineering face was gnarled with perplexity and oaken with awesome resolution.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller