puzzle over
phrasal verb
puzzled over; puzzling over; puzzles over
: to think or worry for a long time about (something)
He's been puzzling over what went wrong.
Examples of puzzle over in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But archaeologists have puzzled over exactly how it was made, particularly given the wide range of hues, from deep blue to gray or green.
—
ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
In which Deputy Chief Hawk and Sheriff Frank Truman puzzle over clues as to the location of the long-missing FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, while Cooper’s wicked doppelgänger appears to be killed in a shootout in South Dakota with criminal associate Ray Monroe.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Archaeologists have been puzzling over the artifact’s purpose ever since.
—Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025
The book ends with a monologue from Bobby’s preternaturally wise and forbearing wife, Triona, who is puzzling over a dramatic plot development in the last chapter.
—Ann Levin, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle over
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ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
In which Deputy Chief Hawk and Sheriff Frank Truman puzzle over clues as to the location of the long-missing FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, while Cooper’s wicked doppelgänger appears to be killed in a shootout in South Dakota with criminal associate Ray Monroe.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Archaeologists have been puzzling over the artifact’s purpose ever since.
—Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025
The book ends with a monologue from Bobby’s preternaturally wise and forbearing wife, Triona, who is puzzling over a dramatic plot development in the last chapter.
—Ann Levin, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle over
Cite this Entry
“Puzzle over.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puzzle%20over. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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