puzzling

adjective

puz·​zling ˈpə-zə-liŋ 

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

The wording of the agreement was a bit puzzling, since the Algerian national team held its base camp at the University of Kansas’ facilities in Lawrence — where the deepest connections were forged between the team and a local community. — Pj Green july 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Researchers hope the effort may yield clues about dark matter as well as an equally puzzling force known as dark energy. — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Yet, those teams don't make Tyler Dragon's list of the four teams that had the most puzzling offseasons. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Researchers hope the effort may yield clues about dark matter as well as an equally puzzling force known as dark energy. — ABC News, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1659, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for puzzling

• guzzling