puzzling 1 of 2

puzzling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of puzzle

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of puzzling
Adjective
These conflicting versions created a puzzling cognitive dissonance. Lane Sainty, USA TODAY, 24 Nov. 2024 What’s more puzzling, some experts say, is that Target is repeating its mistake of alienating progressive customers. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
But in several puzzling cases, no source of infection has been identified. Evan Bush, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024 The recent sightings of puzzling unidentified aircraft in New Jersey and other states have triggered yet another round of unanswered questions — and fueled conspiracy theories. Leonard David, Space.com, 21 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for puzzling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzling
Adjective
  • The choice to center a film that primarily exists as a primer on the Gospels for young viewers around the parenting struggles of a 19th century literary figure who is not exactly at the forefront of culture is inexplicable.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Doncic was traded seemingly at the peak of his career, which made the trade even more shocking and inexplicable.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Their silence is a bit perplexing, given that many of them claim to be focused on current events and trending topics.
    Christian Paz, Vox, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The Dodgers’ offense is more talented than the last 10 days have indicated, which makes this stretch all the more perplexing.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some people are already well aware of Norse Atlantic, despite the company’s somewhat mysterious profile.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • She's just been visited by a mysterious mate named Donnie, who claims to be a friend of Harry's.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The baffling sight of the car inside the hangar came amid a larger expedition led by a team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In contrast with the often thoughtful use of space, the production is marred by a baffling design choice.
    Christian Lewis, Variety, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Researching feels incomprehensible or inapplicable, especially as a business owner.
    Bree Manay, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The answer may not be satisfying, but maybe that’s the point: the crime was always going to be incomprehensible.
    Bailey Seybolt, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Other than the former Miami Hurricanes star going No. 1 to the Titans, the way the rest of the NFL Draft could shake out is unclear.
    Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • With five years to go, the industry’s likelihood to reach this across the board remains unclear.
    Amy Nguyen, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Even more bizarre was the depth the starlight's dip changed with every transit.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The gay man who was involved in Rep. Nancy Mace’s viral meltdown at an Ulta Beauty store is speaking out about the bizarre incident.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Jared Weiss of The Athletic shared via X. Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson was quite vague when discussing the possibility of Garland suiting up for Game 4.
    Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • For now, the language in the president’s executive order was fairly vague.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzling. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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