1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain
the whole situation remains a puzzlement to everyone who was there
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzlement
Sandie Yeaman, of Omaha, Nebraska, expressed puzzlement at the connection.
—
Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
The murder mystery exists at the intersection of Elsbeth and Shondaland’s other White House show, Scandal, combining political intrigue with parlor-room puzzlement—and that parlor happens to be located in the most famous house in America.
—Scarlett Harris, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Many progressives expressed puzzlement at how the party had failed to conduct a proper autopsy on the last election cycle.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
The murder mystery exists at the intersection of Elsbeth and Shondaland’s other White House show, Scandal, combining political intrigue with parlor-room puzzlement—and that parlor happens to be located in the most famous house in America.
—Scarlett Harris, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Many progressives expressed puzzlement at how the party had failed to conduct a proper autopsy on the last election cycle.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement
Noun
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Some of those who chose to evacuate didn’t do so promptly, and there was widespread confusion whether evacuation was necessary at all.—
Rong-Gong Lin II,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
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Two recent scientific reviews performed by the British National Health Service and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found little scientific support for the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgery for youth with gender confusion.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
7 June 2025
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
Noun
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The regulatory bias against 401(k) crypto may be lifting, but that doesn’t mean the fog has dissipated.—
Chris Carosa,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
-
The bartenders stop pouring, the light smears into a soft crimson fog.—
Jeff Weiss,
HollywoodReporter,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
His Baseball Savant page is a source of bewilderment and wonder to me.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
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That excitement turned to bewilderment when the company revealed last month that global soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo would be a playable character, joined days later by Salvatore Ganacci — a Bosnian-Swedish DJ.—
Lindsay Totty,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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