puzzlement

noun

puz·​zle·​ment ˈpə-zəl-mənt 

1

: the state of being puzzled : perplexity

2

: puzzle

Synonyms of puzzlement

• confusion
• fog
• bewilderment

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

The sports-and-culture pundits of Los Angeles and New York marveled with shock and puzzlement at how such a flamboyant character could be so embraced by the hardscrabble, blue-collar, industrial Midwestern fanbase of the Bulls. — Will Kamin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

In near constant close-up, Hoss is working in micro-expressions to variously convey curiosity, shock, sadness, disinterest, puzzlement. — Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Seeing the characters of ‘Severance’ experience the same puzzlement makes the show relatable. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

After initial puzzlement, however, the results spoke for themselves. — Valentina Bottoni, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

puzzlement

noun

puz·​zle·​ment ˈpəz-əl-mənt 

1

: the state of being puzzled

2

: puzzle entry 2 sense 2a