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

The strategy drew puzzlement from economists, who quickly found errors and inconsistencies in how the administration calculated the new tariff rates. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 7 Apr. 2025

Sandie Yeaman, of Omaha, Nebraska, expressed puzzlement at the connection. —Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025

The murder mystery exists at the intersection of Elsbeth and Shondaland’s other White House show, Scandal, combining political intrigue with parlor-room puzzlement—and that parlor happens to be located in the most famous house in America. —Scarlett Harris, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025

In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 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