
Perplex
Emotional Impact
Using 'perplex' can express someone's emotional reaction to confusion, not just intellectual difficulty.

The enigmatic poem perplexed her, leaving an unsettling feeling.
Not Always Negative
'Perplex' may imply curiosity or fascination as well as confusion.

The intriguing puzzle perplexed him, but he enjoyed the challenge.
Unexpected Situations
'Perplex' is often used when something is confusing because it's unexpected or unusual.

The magician's act perplexed the audience.
Compare with
BaffleBewilderConfoundConfuseFlummoxMystifyPuzzleStump
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