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
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzle
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Models are tasked with challenges with verifiable answers—like math puzzles or coding problems—and are then rewarded for taking the series of actions that yields the solution.
—Harry Booth, Time, 3 June 2025
Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
An absorbing and at times, puzzling blend of genres ranging from drama to body horror tells the story of an African immigrant who both craves something more and deserves a lot better than the hand she’s been dealt.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Noun
The company’s video game mantra since its Nintendo Entertainment System days has been to show gaming and play as a medium full of possibilities, using world-building, competition and puzzles to enchant.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Models are tasked with challenges with verifiable answers—like math puzzles or coding problems—and are then rewarded for taking the series of actions that yields the solution.
—Harry Booth, Time, 3 June 2025
Verb
Claver-Carone and people close to Rubio said they are puzzled by press reports in Argentina — whose officials Claver-Carone has crossed at times — suggesting his exit was due to the two Cuban Americans not getting along.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
An absorbing and at times, puzzling blend of genres ranging from drama to body horror tells the story of an African immigrant who both craves something more and deserves a lot better than the hand she’s been dealt.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
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The mystery lane is divided off from the other lanes with cones, plastic posts and then a low-lying barrier.—
Jim Radcliffe,
Oc Register,
6 June 2025
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Definitely one of the better mysteries that’s come out recently.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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How Harry has changed under the influence of Meghan Markle has been baffling both to the royal family and beyond.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
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So, for the club to be entertaining flogging, the one man who has bucked that trend is baffling.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
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There was one final thing that left St John perplexed.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
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The results achieved statistical significance in one part of the analysis but not in others, perplexing outside experts.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Elections and Certifications Don’t confuse a benefit or B corporation with a B Corp.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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The measures are set to take effect on Monday and have left many Haitians confused.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Babb acknowledged that the team was bewildered at the stunning turn of events.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
30 May 2025
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They were bewildered for me, and so was all the other staff.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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