PUZZLES Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

puzzles 1 of 2

noun

plural of puzzle

as in mysteries

something hard to understand or explain the final fate of the colonists at Roanoke remains a puzzle to this very day

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puzzles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of puzzle

as in baffles

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors

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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 puzzles

Noun

Learning new skills, playing word games and having stimulating hobbies like reading or puzzles keeps the mind sharp. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 Aug. 2026 Players can take control of enemies and use their abilities to explore, fight, and solve puzzles, while the creature’s biology changes the world in response to their actions. — Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 What began to replace asking humans to complete puzzles was asking computers to monitor internet traffic more closely. — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Previous studies also have found differences between passive sedentary behaviors, such as television watching, and more mentally active ones, including solving puzzles and being mentally engaged during work. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 His passions lie in using AI to solve scientific puzzles, like curing diseases and discovering new materials, and in ensuring that AI doesn’t accidentally cause catastrophic harm to humanity. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 The puzzles are delightfully unique, too, focusing on you communicating with your friends, and often without words. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 Take along complete puzzles in good condition to trade for something new from the collection. — Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2026 There are also plenty of games and activities for sale in the hotel store, including watercolor kits, colorful punch balloons, activity books, knitting kits, pick-up sticks, puzzles, toys, and more. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Verb

These Companies Are Ready To Cash In Sixsmith argues his firm is unusual in pushing more traders through to genuine live accounts, which is why the reluctance to go there puzzles him. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 The pitch can move to either direction of the plate — a profile that still puzzles his teammates and pitch recognition tools. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Although many economists say the market was overvalued and a decline was inevitable, what triggered the crash is open to debate, and the sheer magnitude of the drop still puzzles economists. — Barbara Hagenbaugh, USA Today, 22 June 2026 What still puzzles me, amid all these noteworthy projects, is Dudamel’s way with the standard repertory. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 These word puzzles all covertly reference the years-old disappearance of Charlie, Martha’s brilliant older sister. — The Know, Denver Post, 4 June 2026 The lineage of these hybrids traces back to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island, a discovery that still puzzles scientists today. — ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026 While everyone else puzzles it over, Coe is already on his way to the multi-faith ceremony at Abbotsfield, where Mayor Jaffrey is joining other mourners to honor the 11 people killed in the assault that opened the season. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzles

Noun

Now, after a yearlong delay, an expedition that some believe represents the best chance at solving one of the most enduring mysteries of the 20th century is set to take place this fall.

— Christopher Cann, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
That bestselling author of all time whose mysteries make for very good bedtime read-aloud sessions with one’s partner.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of mysteries

Verb

Meanwhile, McGrew agreed to adjustments, including adding baffles to reduce sound from a attached generator for the tower and replacing tower fencing that incorporated barbed wire with taller, more natural looking fencing.

— Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Using humane methods like squirrel baffles and tree nets can effectively keep squirrels out of your fruit trees.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Definition of baffles

Verb

Any adversary who confuses media noise with American weakness will discover the truth the hard way.

— Michael Loria, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
These opportunists drown out the core mission, creating a cacophony of competing voices that confuses donors, crowd the inboxes of CEOs and members of Congress with colliding petitions, and paralyzes meaningful action by draining critical funding and attention away from the truly effective groups.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026

Definition of confuses

Verb

As fans of the comedian know, Ali G is a streetwise interviewer whose hip hop slang often bewilders guests such as Noam Chomsky, Andy Rooney and Newt Gingrich.

— Brent Lang, Variety, 7 July 2026
The narrator and his wife find that their attachment to the charismatic and cryptic Chibi grows with the cat’s increasing visits, in a way that bewilders them but somehow bonds them closer together.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026