1
as in inexplicable
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in perplexing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in baffling
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzling
Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
This is somewhat puzzling because a core tenet of cosmology is that at sufficiently large intergalactic scales, the universe’s properties and structure should be essentially the same in all directions.
—Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025
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
Adjective
What may be more puzzling is how to stop the white-ball team from crashing and burning.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
This is somewhat puzzling because a core tenet of cosmology is that at sufficiently large intergalactic scales, the universe’s properties and structure should be essentially the same in all directions.
—Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 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
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Popular enough where Reacher is currently the #1 show a full month and a half after season 3 ended, and slid down the list eventually before this inexplicable resurgence.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
-
Bebe Zahara Benet delivered pure magic (with a dose of madness) in her inexplicable yet massively memorable and instantly meme-able verse.—
Barry Levitt,
Vulture,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
His insight and unconventional approach to understanding human behavior lead him and the team on a series of intense, unexpected journeys to solve illogical puzzles and perplexing mysteries.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
9 May 2025
-
For economists, America’s organ shortage is a perplexing public health problem.—
Steven Levitt,
Boston Herald,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
Dipping in and out of this book over a few months might inspire a new reverence for the mysterious human body.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
-
The family adventure show is set at mysterious Crookhaven School where high achieving young crooks from across the world are secretly selected to hone their skills in disciplines such as deception, crimnastics, forgery and infiltration.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
There’s also the return of Esai Morales as the mustache-twirling villain whose motivation is as baffling as the Entity itself.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
14 May 2025
-
This was baffling to many observers, including this one, and was widely ridiculed, even receiving a friendly jab from rival, Peacock.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Given the incomprehensible thought of an empty beach on the island of Hawaii (and nationwide), surely the movie's effect on viewers was impactful.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
16 May 2025
-
Honestly, whoever designed this mind-numbing, incomprehensible plan should be banished to an island where they will hopefully be devoured by wildlife.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Her reasons for choosing Hagerty were unclear, although the firm had already signed a wildfire recovery contract with L.A. County’s emergency management office and had long worked with the state Office of Emergency Services.—
Matt Hamilton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2025
-
Its purpose is no longer unclear or undefined; the industry recognizes it as a solid platform for experienced directors whose films do well in theaters.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Sinner won a bizarre semifinal in his first tournament back from a three-month doping ban, while Alcaraz triumphed in a sloppy duel.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
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Known for its deluge of gruesome deaths that just get more bizarre with each iteration, Final Destination is now returning for a sixth movie.—
Rebecca Aizin,
People.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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The instructions were vague and didn’t have many helpful illustrations.—
Kate Puhala,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2025
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Some vague stripes run down its spine, blurring together toward its tail.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzling. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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