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
Chandeliers, especially those with many crystals or intricate parts, can be complex puzzles. Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025 But fixing that for a tournament run makes for something Gates will relish: another puzzle to try to solve. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
The element’s centrality has long puzzled researchers trying to understand early life, because phosphorus isn’t naturally abundant in most watery environments, the kind of place where life probably began. Byrobert F. Service, science.org, 24 Feb. 2025 Critics said they were puzzled that the police dropped their concerns about protests outside the embassy. Mark Landler, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
  • There needs to be a little bit of mystery left, right?
    Alison Edmond, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
  • 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
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
  • On the flip side, some have found peoples' infatuation with the ferocious-looking predator perplexing.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Many fans of the show are perplexed by this particular star with his cutthroat singing chops.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Boat-Friendly Boca Grande To live in Boca Grande (not to be confused with Boca Raton, the resort on Florida’s east coast) is to be on the water.
    Mary Forgione, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Zoom in: The confusing back-and-forth nature of the federal cuts has created an unpredictable obstacle course for TSU leaders.
    Adam Tamburin, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The cat, named Ameera, looked bewildered by her family early start to the day.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Trump’s 180 on the Ukrainian cause and willingness to deal with Putin have left many Ukrainians and Russian dissidents living in Sacramento bewildered.
    Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 24 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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