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
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
Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 1 May 2025
Still, these numeric puzzles remain a foundational component of everything from calculating planetary orbits to computer programming.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 May 2025
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
The latest member of this puzzling collection, known as FCC 224, resides on the fringes of the Fornax Cluster, a collection of galaxies that lies roughly 65 million light-years from Earth.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Noun
Select from a wide variety of non-fiction, fiction, children’s and special interest books — all at bargain prices — as well as DVDs, puzzles and more.
—Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 1 May 2025
Still, these numeric puzzles remain a foundational component of everything from calculating planetary orbits to computer programming.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 May 2025
Verb
Four runs is a magic number for KC opponents
The Royals offense continues to be a puzzling question during the 2025 campaign.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
The latest member of this puzzling collection, known as FCC 224, resides on the fringes of the Fornax Cluster, a collection of galaxies that lies roughly 65 million light-years from Earth.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
-
The observatory, which is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, is designed to scrutinize the solar atmosphere and the sun's magnetic field for tiny features that might reveal answers to some of the fundamental solar mysteries.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Mother and daughter were linked through DNA analysis in 2015, but their identities remained a mystery.—
Christine Pelisek,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
With a fastball that tops out around 87 mph, Barrett finds other ways to baffle hitters.—
Dave Melton,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The idea that children are not routinely exposed to stories about gender and sexuality would baffle anyone with even a passing familiarity with the Disney canon.—
Ian Millhiser,
Vox,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
But there are differences that can leave college fans perplexed, like when productive and highly decorated players tumble down the draft board.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
This abrupt conclusion to their title reign left many fans perplexed, questioning the logic behind their initial victory.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
And when the series takes an occasional serious turn, you'll just be confused.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
-
However, simply getting older doesn’t equate to consistently missing bills or appointments, having a hard time speaking with people, or feeling lost or confused in places that are familiar to you.—
Alisa Hrustic,
SELF,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Across the street, her husband Steve, who nursed Molly through her first fight with breast cancer a few years earlier, sits bewildered in the office of their couples therapist.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Carlie thinks the whole thing is hilarious, and Chelsea remains bewildered by any King Cake Baby obsession.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Axios,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share