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
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Recent Examples of puzzle
Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 10 July 2025
On the three speedy days this summer, the moon will be at or near apogee—which is a puzzle, since lunar gravity is such that the Earth tends to slow down, not speed up, when the moon is farther away.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2025
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
The self-destruction of American power in the Trump years is likely to puzzle future historians.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Noun
The easy-to-handle tiles help toddlers recognize colors, number graphing, build patterns, and shape puzzles.
—Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 10 July 2025
On the three speedy days this summer, the moon will be at or near apogee—which is a puzzle, since lunar gravity is such that the Earth tends to slow down, not speed up, when the moon is farther away.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 July 2025
Verb
Collin Murray-Boyles’ dreams of becoming an NBA player were realized on Wednesday night, but his reaction to hearing his name being called at the draft left fans puzzled.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
The self-destruction of American power in the Trump years is likely to puzzle future historians.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
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So there's going to be a strong reaction in both directions for this mystery houseguest.—
David Wysong,
The Enquirer,
4 July 2025
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In addition, Lind played the young version of Amanda Clarke (Emily VanCamp) in a recurring role on the ABC mystery thriller Revenge from 2011-2015, and the recurring role of Ariel on the CBS medical drama Code Black from 2015-2018.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
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Money terms and concepts continue to baffle people, many of whom are seeking answers through online searches.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
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Even with the other guys' admonitions not to, under any circumstances, be themselves, Dee and Charlie's improbable success in charming these scions of the Philly upper crust had the guys — and us — both baffled and anxiously awaiting an ugly twist.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Through the years, dozens of actresses have portrayed Superman's love interest and confidante Lois Lane, an award-winning reporter both perplexed and entranced by the man also (secretly) known as Clark Kent.—
Grace Gavilanes,
People.com,
11 July 2025
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The aftermath What perplexes her, Nicole Fech said, is that Anderson went out of her way to call the camp a year and a half after the family left the church.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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The decision was met by swift condemnation and a legal challenge from San Francisco International Airport officials and its legal team which argued the new name would confuse travelers and was a copyright infringement.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).—
Todd Longwell,
Variety,
2 June 2025
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Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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