puzzlement

noun

puz·​zle·​ment ˈpə-zəl-mənt How to pronounce puzzlement (audio)
1
: the state of being puzzled : perplexity
2
: puzzle

Examples of puzzlement in a Sentence

The cause of the accident has been a source of puzzlement. The explanation only increased their puzzlement.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Even though Davis was six years older than Dončic at the time of the trade and had a more extensive injury history, Harrison defended his decision amid overwhelming backlash and puzzlement from Mavs fans as the deal rippled throughout the sport. Christian Clark, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 Trump’s fondness for Putin has long been clear, and also a subject of much puzzlement. Kim Lane Scheppele, Time, 6 Nov. 2025 His efforts are met with puzzlement by everyone but the children. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025 As such, anyone who took this type of interim role is going to be out of a job and possibly have something on their resume that will be a puzzlement. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzlement

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of puzzlement was in 1731

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puzzlement. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

puzzlement

noun
puz·​zle·​ment ˈpəz-əl-mənt How to pronounce puzzlement (audio)
1
: the state of being puzzled
2

More from Merriam-Webster on puzzlement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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