1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain
the whole situation remains a puzzlement to everyone who was there
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzlement
How Ward failed to deal with the bouncing ball as Gomes desperately lunged at it is another puzzlement.
—
Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement about what went wrong with her poll.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
After this initial puzzlement, I got used to switching to Edit view quickly.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
More:The puzzlement of Austin’s original city plan By 1860, buildings were increasingly being made of stone, brick or sawn boards.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement about what went wrong with her poll.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
After this initial puzzlement, I got used to switching to Edit view quickly.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
More:The puzzlement of Austin’s original city plan By 1860, buildings were increasingly being made of stone, brick or sawn boards.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement
Noun
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Each stanza reflects the confusion, horror and uncertainty that of the battle to keep Fort McHenry — and thus the City of Baltimore — from falling into British hands.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA TODAY,
3 Mar. 2025
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Unlike his Western European counterparts, who waver between moral grandstanding and strategic confusion, Duda has taken the only approach that actually strengthens European security: full alignment with American leadership.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The murder mystery, sci-fi, natural catastrophe tale hooks its viewers within the first few scenes and doesn’t let go until the very last scene, and even then, you’re left wanting more.—
Dana Feldman,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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But what remains a mystery is why some haven’t discovered this neo-noir gem yet.—
Randy Myers,
The Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Kevin Gordon, a senior investment strategist at Charles Schwab, said the back and forth with tariffs has created a fog of uncertainty for investors, businesses and consumers.—
John Towfighi,
CNN,
5 Mar. 2025
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Central Sacramento Valley, Southern Sacramento Valley, Carquinez Strait and Delta and Northern San Joaquin Valley are under a dense fog advisory which was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 4:55 a.m.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
The Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The two Metroidvania progenitors — 1986’s Metroid and 1987’s Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest — cultivated a sense of geographical bewilderment by letting players unfurl the secrets of their arcane worlds in any direction along the X and Y axes.—
Lewis Gordon,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
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While some have been in a state of bewilderment ever since Trump returned to Washington, D.C., nothing about the way the president has barged back into the White House surprises those who have known him for decades, writes Forbes’ Dan Alexander.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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