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.
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 Closeups of her face in various states of puzzlement, affection, or frustration dazzle, and remove any doubt: Liu is a star. Caleb Hammond, IndieWire, 1 Sep. 2025 His quotes circulated widely, shared by bloggers and fans on social media with a bit of puzzlement and delight but with little follow-up or explanation. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 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 4 Oct. 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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