puzzlement

noun

puz·​zle·​ment ˈpə-zəl-mənt 

1

: the state of being puzzled : perplexity

2

: puzzle

Synonyms

• bafflement
• bamboozlement
• befuddlement
• bemusement
• bewilderedness
• bewilderment
• confusedness
• confusion
• discombobulation
• distraction
• fog
• head-scratching
• maze [chiefly dialect]
• muddle
• mystification
• perplexity
• tangle
• whirl

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

This move was greeted with puzzlement by many, including this very newsletter, because on the surface the Dodgers appear to be a much better team with Betts in right and Miguel Rojas at short. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024

Hedy Chang, the founder and executive director of Attendance Works, says this puzzlement has persisted among parents. —Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 11 June 2024

May 5, 2024 Markus Johnson slumped naked against the wall of his cell, skin flecked with pepper spray, his face a mask of puzzlement, exhaustion and resignation. —Glenn Thrush Carlos Javier Ortiz, New York Times, 5 May 2024

As for what Lin is walking into, Netflix’s structure has long been a source of Hollywood puzzlement. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Apr. 2024

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