1
as in inexplicable
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of puzzling
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
My initial impression was rather puzzling—was this a hotel, a clinic, or a clinic disguised as a hotel?
—Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 11 Mar. 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
His dry market is quite puzzling, considering how many teams could use his services.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
My initial impression was rather puzzling—was this a hotel, a clinic, or a clinic disguised as a hotel?
—Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 11 Mar. 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
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The weirdest, most inexplicable part of the bizarre spectacle?—
Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2025
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President Trump has cited this supposedly inexplicable trend.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Despite these extraordinary gains, recent research published in PNAS Nexus highlights two deeply perplexing contradictions in women’s psychological well-being: the paradox of declining female happiness and the paradox of the contented female worker.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Queen’s habit of grinning in intense huddles or after a bad practice is both endearing and perplexing.—
Lindsay Schnell,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Despite Shauna trying to blame her for all the mysterious things happening to her in season 3, Melissa says that Shauna is the problem, the real anti-hero, so to speak.—
Stacy Lambe,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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The first season saw Charles eventually wrap the case and leave the nursing home to return to his life, but ended with the PI calling him again to seek his help on a mysterious new case.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Last month’s announcement is truly baffling, as this was a core part of Southwest’s strategy and business identity.—
Marisa Elrick,
Baltimore Sun,
31 Mar. 2025
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Of course, not everyone can get on the WrestleMania 41 card, but how a top act like Zayn could be left off is truly baffling. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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When technology changes so quickly that even Millennials are shaking their heads at Gen Z’s incomprehensible habits, what chance do ageing parents have to stay a step ahead of their kids?—
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Even though arrests have been made, first-degree murder charges have been filed and the victim laid to rest, this case remains an incomprehensible display of human malice.—
Matt Lavietes,
NBC News,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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How long those plates can keep spinning is unclear, especially as tariffs start nudging up costs for American consumers.—
Anne Marie Drummond Lee,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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But the net effects remain unclear, and would depend on each particular player’s strength and swing.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The bizarre purchase was revealed last year by the former Lakers player, and the topic was recently brought up during the season 6 finale of The Kardashians.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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Weezer has not canceled its plans to perform at Coachella this Saturday (April 12) after the wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner sustained non-life-threatening injuries during a bizarre run-in with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers that ended in a dramatic shootout.—
Dave Brooks,
Billboard,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Maddox does not make vague threats toward people who run afoul of him.—
Hannah Giorgis,
The Atlantic,
4 Apr. 2025
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The administration has been more vague, however, on programs such as classes that teach Black history.—
Lexi Lonas Cochran,
The Hill,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzling. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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