puzzle 1 of 2

as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain the final fate of the colonists at Roanoke remains a puzzle to this very day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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puzzle

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun puzzle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of puzzle are enigma, mystery, problem, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When is enigma a more appropriate choice than puzzle?

While in some cases nearly identical to puzzle, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

Where would mystery be a reasonable alternative to puzzle?

Although the words mystery and puzzle have much in common, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

When would problem be a good substitute for puzzle?

While the synonyms problem and puzzle are close in meaning, problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

When might riddle be a better fit than puzzle?

The meanings of riddle and puzzle largely overlap; however, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

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 puzzle
Noun
Led by Tao Tsuchiya and Kento Yamazaki, Alice in Borderland’s characters survive the puzzles and battles with logic and agility—and like Squid Game, a third season is releasing on Netflix in 2025. Rory Doherty, Time, 27 June 2025 Born in the 18th century when Leonhard Euler solved the puzzle of the seven bridges of Königsberg, graph theory has become a foundational tool in mathematics. Quanta Magazine, 26 June 2025
Verb
At first glance, the harvest looks like a puzzling mixture of familiar fruits — the color of a mango, the shape of a baby apricot, the texture of a ripe peach. Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025 Social media puzzled by location of new Trader Joe's store In a recent TikTok video filmed in front of the new Trader Joe's location, content creator Evan Lovett points out just how close the two stores are to each other. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
  • So there's going to be a strong reaction in both directions for this mystery houseguest.
    David Wysong, The Enquirer, 4 July 2025
  • In addition, Lind played the young version of Amanda Clarke (Emily VanCamp) in a recurring role on the ABC mystery thriller Revenge from 2011-2015, and the recurring role of Ariel on the CBS medical drama Code Black from 2015-2018.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • But Bird also throws a devastating slider to right-handers and a curveball that can baffle.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 June 2025
  • The topic, added late to the ACIP agenda and without much detail, has baffled some vaccine experts.
    Liz Neporent, ABC News, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The stock comeback of the last two months has perplexed many investors, who remain befuddled by the market's insistence to look past conflict, tariffs and major challenges to the economic outlook, to make short work of recovering losses from their April lows.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 June 2025
  • That wasn't enough to heal Carol's injury, however, leaving her owner perplexed about how to help the pup.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The man is Jack Ryan, not to be confused with the Jack Ryan dreamed up by Tom Clancy.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Fun fact: Ferdinando de’ Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany, as a patron of the arts Ferdinando de’ Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany (not to be confused with his ancestor Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the second Grand Duke of Tuscany), was both a patron of musicians and a talented performer himself.
    Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).
    Todd Longwell, Variety, 2 June 2025
  • Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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