as in baffled
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in bewildered
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in quizzical
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzled
Adjective
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This run – and the exhausted, bewildered looks on the players’ faces throughout it – has no doubt shaped Inter’s odds to win away to Barcelona, which look pretty close to long shot territory.—
Sam Tighe,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025 -
In the two years since Tommy Elliott was killed in a mass shooting, Maryanne’s grief has, in turns, left her aghast and overwhelmed, bewildered and incapacitated, grateful and wanting to die.—
Kristina Goetz,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Other jurors appeared curious and quizzical, some looking at Cassie or jotting notes.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
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Team owner Shad Khan looked up with a quizzical expression.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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When Anisimova lost the Queen’s final last month to 37-year-old Tatyana Maria, she was totally bemused by the German’s cat and mouse tactics.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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When things go wrong — such as the morning when a technical glitch with the PA system radio frequency led to a funeral service from a nearby church being broadcast to a bemused cricket crowd — what elsewhere might be regarded as irritations become charming idiosyncrasies.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Be wary of anyone who claims to be an insurance specialist that is not from your insurance company or was not sent by your insurance company.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
13 July 2025
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Also be wary of landlords who are out of the country.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.—
Steve Weisman,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
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Not to be confused with DEI training, skill building is a way to help people improve their communication skills, negotiation style and overall understanding of relevant topics, all while leveling up professionally.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Świątek may be surprised to be here, but Anisimova must be in total shock.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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The video, which features a visibly surprised Kaitlin receiving her favorite treats and a handwritten note, has been shared across TikTok and beyond.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Be cautious using public Wi-Fi Avoid logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi or always use a VPN.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
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Swimmers should be cautious of cold shock in waters below 60 degrees.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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One of Nicole Mitchell’s aunts testified that Carol Mitchell’s communications became increasingly paranoid in the months following the death of her husband Rod Mitchell.—
Ingrid Harbo,
Twin Cities,
17 July 2025
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Ruiz’s father told San Antonio Express-News that his son had been exhibiting signs of a mental disorder, including having hallucinations and making paranoid accusations, in the days leading up to the stabbing.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
2 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Puzzled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzled. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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