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

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
After virtually strolling through City in Belmira’s video model, some of its mysterious puzzle pieces do, gratifyingly, start to come together. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026 For homebuyers, the July inflation report is better viewed as one piece of a much larger puzzle. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
But more so than the gift itself, what seemed to puzzle the brothers was exactly how the fan got their hands on it. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026 The encyclical’s critique of military AI is similarly puzzling. — Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 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
  • The two started off as enemies as Judy joined the Zootopia Police Department, but then put aside their differences to solve a mystery in the animal city.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Magic super-rings that can transform thoughts into solid green objects in order to fight crime and solve mysteries.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystery
Verb
  • The scene never fails to baffle the senses as the path rises up about a thousand feet from the valley floor.
    — Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • She is baffled by the way her friends Moe and Fumina rail against their parents, especially when Yuko is always holding back at home, forever walking on eggshells.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of baffle
Noun
  • Russell Westbrook was an NBA enigma, right up to the very end.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On top of that, Perel said, the kinds of communities and rituals people traditionally relied on when facing enigma and loss aren’t so common anymore.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of enigma
Verb
  • Gibson Nash, 21, was charged with first-degree murder after a series of perplexing events eventually led police to his mother’s bloodied body.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Brazil midfielder has expressed a desire to join Arsenal, but Newcastle did not want to sell him this summer and have been perplexed by the lack of direct contact from the London club.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of perplex
Noun
  • Whether the brand promise of independence survives a business model built on agent territory sales is one of the next riddles for the housing market to solve.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Compose a Riddle Leave them a riddle or brain teaser in their lunch box and challenge them to figure it out on their own.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of riddle
Verb
  • This reserve should not be confused with a permanent investment strategy.
    — Steve Booren, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The light entering my eyes would bend at two different angles, confusing my brain and making my vision a little blurry.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • That’s a common sentiment from a touring superstar, but there’s a sense that Kahan really might be as happily bewildered as the rest of us about how songs this personal and cloudy came to captivate even sunny California.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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