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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzlement
Many progressives expressed puzzlement at how the party had failed to conduct a proper autopsy on the last election cycle.
—
William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Not surprisingly, this proposal provoked fierce resistance and puzzlement from Middle Eastern stakeholders, U.S. allies, and even some Congressional Republicans.
—Peter L. Hahn / Made By History, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
There’s puzzlement, and of course all these factors play into a sense of moral injury.
—Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
But then there are puzzlements: more unexplained goats, a freezing-cold field trip and a preteen office worker.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Not surprisingly, this proposal provoked fierce resistance and puzzlement from Middle Eastern stakeholders, U.S. allies, and even some Congressional Republicans.
—Peter L. Hahn / Made By History, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
There’s puzzlement, and of course all these factors play into a sense of moral injury.
—Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
But then there are puzzlements: more unexplained goats, a freezing-cold field trip and a preteen office worker.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement
Noun
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In other words, bills still need to be paid no matter the confusion of politicians eager to distort the pricing mechanism that organizes the market economy.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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During class, be sure to look out for warning signs that your body is struggling to handle the heat, such as dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat or fatigue, Wolf said.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Zero visibility strategy: In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2025
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The fog will lift by mid-morning, according to NWS Melbourne.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In a perfect world for Robertson, the astonishment and bewilderment Knies had at Robertson’s game would be enough to push Robertson into the playoffs.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
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Two and a half months into Donald Trump‘s second term, the mood inside the industry’s political class veers between bewilderment and submission.—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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