1
as in inexplicable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in perplexing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in baffling
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 puzzling
Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
This is somewhat puzzling because a core tenet of cosmology is that at sufficiently large intergalactic scales, the universe’s properties and structure should be essentially the same in all directions.
—Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025
Evan Bush, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024
The recent sightings of puzzling unidentified aircraft in New Jersey and other states have triggered yet another round of unanswered questions — and fueled conspiracy theories.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 21 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for puzzling
Adjective
What may be more puzzling is how to stop the white-ball team from crashing and burning.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
This is somewhat puzzling because a core tenet of cosmology is that at sufficiently large intergalactic scales, the universe’s properties and structure should be essentially the same in all directions.
—Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
But in several puzzling cases, no source of infection has been identified.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024
The recent sightings of puzzling unidentified aircraft in New Jersey and other states have triggered yet another round of unanswered questions — and fueled conspiracy theories.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 21 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for puzzling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzling
Adjective
-
Oh, an inexplicable Rube Goldberg machine of death?—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2025
-
But through a series of inexplicable events, the clinic was completely empty on Saturday when the car exploded outside.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Even more perplexing: If shutting off service to new customers without an account is their strict policy, why wait until Friday to execute it?—
Ryan Minton,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
Part of the reason structures like the Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall are so perplexing to scientists has to do with the cosmological principle, which most models of the cosmos are founded upon.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Carlton Reid Based on 20 years of observations by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, new research sheds light on one of the solar system’s most mysterious planets.—
Ryan Waniata,
Wired News,
27 May 2025
-
Denim shifts toward a mysterious direction in Blooming Darkness.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
There’s also the return of Esai Morales as the mustache-twirling villain whose motivation is as baffling as the Entity itself.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
14 May 2025
-
This was baffling to many observers, including this one, and was widely ridiculed, even receiving a friendly jab from rival, Peacock.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
Consumers have gotten used to a complicated annual plan selection, confusing industry jargon, and incomprehensible coverage policies.—
Dan Gingiss,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Every version of it, whether recorded in a studio, live with a full orchestra or only a piano, just rails through absolutely incomprehensible storytelling (something about virgins on a spaceship?) with a lusty guitar and smashed piano chords.—
Shana Naomi Krochmal,
Vulture,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Her reasons for choosing Hagerty were unclear, although the firm had already signed a wildfire recovery contract with L.A. County’s emergency management office and had long worked with the state Office of Emergency Services.—
Matt Hamilton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2025
-
Its purpose is no longer unclear or undefined; the industry recognizes it as a solid platform for experienced directors whose films do well in theaters.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Joining me is my Staten Island brother, Pete Davidson, who unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
29 May 2025
-
Part of that stems from fewer bizarre storytelling choices (good!), and part of it is a byproduct of an overly cautious attitude toward character development (bad).—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
This granular visibility transforms sustainability from a vague corporate initiative into precise, actionable intelligence, enabling manufacturers to make targeted improvements that collectively drive significant environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency.—
David Ly,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
-
Therapists should be trained to help patients build grit and achieve goals, not just listen passively, offer vague reassurances, or affirm every feeling.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzling. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share