puzzle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of puzzlenext
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

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puzzle

2 of 2

verb

ˈpə-zəl How to pronounce puzzle (audio)
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun puzzle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of puzzle are enigma, mystery, problem, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When is enigma a more appropriate choice than puzzle?

While in some cases nearly identical to puzzle, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

Where would mystery be a reasonable alternative to puzzle?

Although the words mystery and puzzle have much in common, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

When would problem be a good substitute for puzzle?

While the synonyms problem and puzzle are close in meaning, problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

When might riddle be a better fit than puzzle?

The meanings of riddle and puzzle largely overlap; however, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

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 puzzle
Noun
In contrast, the Cyclops scene was a real puzzle, combining a shoot in a Greek cave, soundstage work in Los Angeles, puppetry and actor Bill Irwin’s performance as the one-eyed giant. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 The next two puzzles seem, on the surface, to have nothing to do with the first two. — Dana MacKenzie, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
Whatever caused the problem is particularly puzzling, given that the speakers use the same wireless connection whether attached or detached. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026 Overrun with puzzling plot points, several cameos and a bloated supporting cast, the series fails to stick the landing. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
  1. mystery
  2. baffle
  3. enigma
  4. perplex
  5. riddle
  6. confuse
  7. bewilder
Noun
  • To get to the bottom of the mystery of the article’s spurious dating, Cade and a team of researchers from around the globe sifted through historic reports and observations of geomagnetic activity to set the record straight.
    — Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In the first, a best-selling mystery author dies, and Benoit Blanc, a charismatic and inquisitive private eye played by Daniel Craig, must investigate.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of mystery
Verb
  • But Danny Niemela, a contractor at ArDan Construction, says that the process baffles him.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond being frustrated with the secrecy, locals said they were baffled by the lack of specifics and clarity the stakeholders had about the project, per the records.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of baffle
Noun
  • The enigma of comets and asteroids lured the world’s space agencies into funding a series of robotic probes to study them.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Menopause, despite being a fact of life for most women, is something of a scientific enigma.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of enigma
Verb
  • At Telluride, Fielder, who had initially planned to stay behind the scenes, admitted he was still perplexed by the couple’s openness.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • They were perplexed at first, flummoxed, but pleasant, and unfortunately for them, already long gone from the airport.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of perplex
Noun
  • The bond between Anthony Fauci and Larry Kramer is one of history’s happy riddles.
    — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Those two performances encapsulated Colorado’s starting pitching problem, which has long been the central riddle for the Rockies to solve.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of riddle
Verb
  • Bill Belichick has made a Hall of Fame career on confusing young quarterbacks.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Splitter praises his movement on and off the ball, which seems to visibly confuse opposing defenses.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • Many Eagles players were concerned and bewildered by the development.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Latif is conflicted by his double life, bewildered by his doubling of parental responsibilities, constantly trying to think two moves ahead yet always ending up three steps behind.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of bewilder

Phrases Containing puzzle

Browse Nearby Words

put up with
puzzle
puzzled
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Cite this Entry

“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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