puzzle 1 of 2

as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain the final fate of the colonists at Roanoke remains a puzzle to this very day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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puzzle

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun puzzle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of puzzle are enigma, mystery, problem, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When is enigma a more appropriate choice than puzzle?

While in some cases nearly identical to puzzle, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

Where would mystery be a reasonable alternative to puzzle?

Although the words mystery and puzzle have much in common, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

When would problem be a good substitute for puzzle?

While the synonyms problem and puzzle are close in meaning, problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

When might riddle be a better fit than puzzle?

The meanings of riddle and puzzle largely overlap; however, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

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 puzzle
Noun
One hopes that the distressing puzzle of Hackman’s passing will be solved before long. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 If not, there will be another opportunity to crack a new puzzle on Monday. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
Much of the space community has been puzzled as to why NASA has been spending on the order of half a billion dollars to develop a Lunar Gateway in an odd orbit around the Moon. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 18 Feb. 2025 Two papers published this month, however, show researchers are getting closer to solving some of the questions that have puzzled them for years. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
  • But what remains a mystery is why some haven’t discovered this neo-noir gem yet.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • There needs to be a little bit of mystery left, right?
    Alison Edmond, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That reluctance baffles Pérez and her colleague, Deputy Public Defender Amy Tao.
    CalMatters, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Over the past few months, Bob Dylan has been baffling fans with surreal posts on his official social media platforms.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, a Queens Democrat who has recently stepped up her criticism of the mayor, was perplexed by his refusal to slam Trump’s recent actions.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Several drones were reportedly spotted in the skies above a Connecticut suburb Thursday night, adding to recent sightings that have perplexed residents and raised questions about possible national security and public safety concerns.
    Louis Casiano, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Not to be confused with New Zealand musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Along those lines, a settlement should not be confused with a collective bargaining agreement, which pro teams and unionized employees extinguish or mollify a broader range of potential claims.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Unenlightened of the brownie’s incredible taste, I was bewildered by the perfect combination of these three types of chocolate.
    Mia Leimkuhler, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The appeal bewilders attorneys for the 300,000 plaintiffs who each missed out on $3,000 when DeWine cut off the benefits in June 2021 — 10 weeks before they were set to expire.
    Sam Allard, Axios, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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