PUZZLE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

puzzle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of puzzle next

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

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

Expository voids start to feel less like deliberate puzzles and more like messy oversights. —

Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 Cities are weirdly static and exploration boils down to simple puzzles and uninspired loot. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Verb

The three actors were part of a puzzling announcement the once and future president made via Truth Social on Thursday. —

Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025 This makes your puzzling experience easier and more fun. —

Fox News, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for puzzle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle

Noun

The series, set in Tasmania, explores the reverberations of tragedy in a small seaside community when a decades-old mystery intersects with a present-day murder.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
His latest novel revisits familiar themes of mystery and scientific discovery while introducing new philosophical explorations into the nature of the mind.

— Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025