1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain
the whole situation remains a puzzlement to everyone who was there
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 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
-
The move sparked anxiety, confusion and intense pushback from public school districts and advocates nationwide.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
27 July 2025
-
Symptoms may include excessive panting, glazed eyes, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, or confusion.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
In this murder mystery set in opulent Nantucket, when a body washes ashore during a family’s wedding, everyone is a suspect.—
Karin Slaughter,
People.com,
29 July 2025
-
But what begins as a local emergency soon spirals into a deeper, more terrifying mystery, one that forces the town’s residents to confront the unknown.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
July 30 will be quite hot and humid with patches of fog creating a visible haze.—
Ryan Murphy,
IndyStar,
30 July 2025
-
Mercury shifts direct in your partnership sector on August 11th, clearing the fog around romantic or creative dynamics.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
Afterward, the Chelsea players expressed their bewilderment about Trump’s presence on stage.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
14 July 2025
-
The judge’s tone is one of bewilderment because these circumstances are indeed bewildering, and no doubt would be to the Founding Fathers who expressly rejected monarchy and established a system of government where the citizenry would be free to express its discontent at government policies.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share