puzzling

adjective

puz·​zling ˈpə-zə-liŋ How to pronounce puzzling (audio)
ˈpəz-liŋ
: difficult to understand or solve
puzzling symptoms
puzzlingly adverb

Examples of puzzling in a Sentence

The directions are somewhat puzzling.
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.
And perhaps the most puzzling question — why is Mark Wahlberg a movie star? David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025 Another puzzling result dipped the Green Bay Packers to +750, good for third in the odds. Scott Phillips, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 Fan interactions are inevitable for a star like Leonardo DiCaprio, the former heartthrob turned permanent Hollywood A-lister, but some are more puzzling than others. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025 This is a group of materials known for both their huge potential and their puzzling nature. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzling

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puzzling was circa 1659

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puzzling. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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