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
Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025
But beneath the optimism lies a complex web of engineering puzzles, regulatory challenges, and the daunting task of building an entirely new engine.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 31 Mar. 2025
The second-year player, whom the Tigers moved to first base this winter to accommodate signing Torres, went 0-for-5, looking puzzled on each trip to the plate.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Noun
The other piece of the sonic puzzle moves into higher territory, before yielding to the electrostatic modules.
—Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025
But beneath the optimism lies a complex web of engineering puzzles, regulatory challenges, and the daunting task of building an entirely new engine.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
What’s particularly puzzling is that just days before the tell-all aired, viewers watched Jasmine and Gino recommit to their relationship in the March 25 finale.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 31 Mar. 2025
The second-year player, whom the Tigers moved to first base this winter to accommodate signing Torres, went 0-for-5, looking puzzled on each trip to the plate.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
-
What can be learned from this year’s acceptances—and what remains a mystery? Consider Statistical Comparisons, Not Individual Outliers Demanding classes, excellent grades and, for colleges that require them, outstanding test scores are a given at the most highly-selective colleges.—
Dr. Marlena Corcoran,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Cosmic rays may offer an out-of-this-world answer to a long-standing mystery about lightning on Earth, a new study suggests.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Two endangered whales are baffling researchers by continuing to show up along a stretch of U.S coast that is not part of their turf, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2025
-
President Donald Trump’s mass tariffs have baffled Americans, creating uncertainty for the average consumer, according to industry leaders.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
And some Democrats are still perplexed by the fact that last November Donald Trump became the first Republican since maybe Abraham Lincoln to carry Fall River.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Some were perplexed by its location, while others were enchanted by the simplistic nature of a home from a time long gone.—
TJ Macias,
Kansas City Star,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
No one was going to confuse Colossal with the Sierra Club.—
D. T. Max,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Let go of a common misconception Some parents worry that teaching their child multiple languages will set them back or confuse them.—
Julia Furlan,
NPR,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This match exposed a couple of ugly issues the tour has to address and left spectators bewildered for long stretches at a time.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
-
While some stars dazzle in their glamorous attire, others have stumbled into the realm of fashion faux pas, leaving audiences bewildered.—
WWD Staff,
WWD,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share