1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 puzzlement
The murder mystery exists at the intersection of Elsbeth and Shondaland’s other White House show, Scandal, combining political intrigue with parlor-room puzzlement—and that parlor happens to be located in the most famous house in America.
—
Scarlett Harris, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Scarlett Harris, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement
Noun
-
Plus, the bars are shaped like an ‘S’ and a ‘C’, so there’s no confusion as to which is which.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
27 May 2025
-
Industry opponents — including one company employing unconventional methods — are pushing for a veto, arguing the law would sow confusion in a growing market and ultimately harm consumers looking for a safe, effective product.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Fan speculation has centered on Kendrick Lamar or Jay-Z being the mystery man.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
29 May 2025
-
Adding to the mystery, Teleios emits only in radio wavelengths, with a hint of hydrogen-alpha emissions.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 May 2025
-
If driving through fog becomes inevitable, remember these safety guidelines: Moderate your speed: Slow down and allocate extra travel time to reach your destination safely.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
His Baseball Savant page is a source of bewilderment and wonder to me.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
-
That excitement turned to bewilderment when the company revealed last month that global soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo would be a playable character, joined days later by Salvatore Ganacci — a Bosnian-Swedish DJ.—
Lindsay Totty,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share