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

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
The titans of gaming are combining the block-stacking puzzle gameplay of Tetris with the alien invasion action of Space Invaders for an entirely new take on the storied franchises. —Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more! —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
This has puzzled researchers because lithium metal is soft, while the ceramic electrolytes used in these batteries are rigid. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026 As the city gains national attention as a top spring break destination, viral videos like these have left outsiders puzzled. —Ryan Nickerson, Houston Chronicle, 21 Mar. 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
  • Borenstein notes that this was true before the mystery surcharge appeared in 2015.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Readers who approach this dense but astonishing book will laugh at how superficial that query seems in contrast to the mysteries of the universe.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of mystery
Verb
  • His disaffection baffles his acquaintances and pains his tubercular wife (a superb Quinn Jackson), whose doctor (Lambert Tamin) has only contempt for her husband’s agonizing.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The Late Show host appeared genuinely baffled by the president’s current poll numbers during his opening monologue on Tuesday, mostly due to the 22 percent of Americans who are still throwing their support behind the 79-year-old former reality star.
    — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of baffle
Noun
  • Simpson has been one of the biggest enigmas in this year’s draft.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The film, based on a true story that became a media sensation in the '80s, never renders a definitive judgment on von Bülow (who was acquitted in court), leaving him an indelible enigma that Irons teases but never tells.
    — Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of enigma
Verb
  • Their presence prompted nervousness among beachgoers and surfers sharing the water, but marveled researchers who were perplexed by the abnormally longer stay close to shore.
    — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
  • These are the brutally real snapshots of a man well acquainted with—but still perplexed by—the powerful and destructive forces that lord over our lives.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 4 Mar. 2026
Definition of perplex
Noun
  • As if she’d been presented with a tidy, screw-like riddle from the Sphynx.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Emmie’s condition is an interpretative riddle for both her parents and the reader.
    — Giles Harvey, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of riddle
Verb
  • As if that wasn’t confusing enough, not all Christians agree on what day of the calendar that specific Sunday is.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2026
  • This was not to be confused with the Ulster Volunteer Force or the Ulster Defence Association, both terrorist organizations that vehemently favored the link with Britain.
    — Colm Tóibín, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • There aren’t many ways to earn a club’s first win better than bewildering the league’s defending champions at their place.
    — Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Now, many millions of Americans are bewildered by events.
    — David French, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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