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
Relevance
as in to baffle
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
David Moin, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Being Able to Problem Solve Intelligent dogs also excel at problem-solving, whether that is figuring out a puzzle toy or how to open the front door.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
An absorbing and at times, puzzling blend of genres ranging from drama to body horror tells the story of an African immigrant who both craves something more and deserves a lot better than the hand she’s been dealt.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Noun
The 1,000-square-foot retail space offers swings, slipper art, puzzles, board, storytelling moments and a matcha bar in collaboration with the Montauk General Store.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Being Able to Problem Solve Intelligent dogs also excel at problem-solving, whether that is figuring out a puzzle toy or how to open the front door.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
Claver-Carone and people close to Rubio said they are puzzled by press reports in Argentina — whose officials Claver-Carone has crossed at times — suggesting his exit was due to the two Cuban Americans not getting along.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
An absorbing and at times, puzzling blend of genres ranging from drama to body horror tells the story of an African immigrant who both craves something more and deserves a lot better than the hand she’s been dealt.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
-
Adding to the mystery, Teleios emits only in radio wavelengths, with a hint of hydrogen-alpha emissions.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
-
Fan speculation has centered on Kendrick Lamar or Jay-Z being the mystery man.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
What’s more, the double-stitched seams and baffle box design keep lumps at bay.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2025
-
The owner shared a video of the car veering left, a video that has Tesla examiner’s baffled.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
There was one final thing that left St John perplexed.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
-
The results achieved statistical significance in one part of the analysis but not in others, perplexing outside experts.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The measures are set to take effect on Monday and have left many Haitians confused.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
-
Elections and Certifications Don’t confuse a benefit or B corporation with a B Corp.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Babb acknowledged that the team was bewildered at the stunning turn of events.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
30 May 2025
-
They were bewildered for me, and so was all the other staff.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share