Synonyms of puzzle

puzzle 1 of 2

noun

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

• mystery
• enigma
• riddle
• conundrum
• problem
• why
• secret
• puzzlement
• mystification
• closed book
• challenge
• head-scratcher
• matter
• brainteaser
• perplexity
• poser
• trouble
• stumper
• case
• knot

puzzle

2 of 2

verb

ˈpə-zəl 

as in to baffle

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty

it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• baffle
• perplex
• confuse
• bewilder
• maze
• pose
• mystify
• muddle
• rattle
• fox
• vex
• befuddle
• flummox
• discombobulate
• bemuse
• confound
• bother
• gravel
• embarrass
• fluster
• fuddle
• addle
• buffalo
• bamboozle
• get
• disturb
• stun
• disorient
• muddy
• upset
• beat
• befog
• blow one's mind
• stick
• stump
• distress
• unsettle
• go to one's head
• disconcert
• nonplus
• trick
• discomfort
• weird out
• faze
• agitate
• disquiet
• hoax
• discomfit
• snow
• mortify
• deceive
• abash
• unhinge
• discountenance
• perturb
• dismay
• discompose
• fool
• chagrin
• gull
• humbug
• delude
• mislead
• string along
• dupe
• take in
• beguile
• hoodwink
• cozen
• misguide

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assure
• satisfy
• inform
• reassure
• enlighten

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

Recent Examples of puzzle

Noun

Managing RMDs is only one piece of the retirement puzzle. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 May 2026

One puzzle is that lightning seems to start from one point in the cloud, while the avalanches take place over a much larger region. —Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026

Verb

But as of last month, the FDA has twice opted not to approve RP1, puzzling researchers and worrying drug developers. —K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 2 May 2026

Over the course of six months, black lesions and deep ulcers formed over the body of a 78-year-old man, puzzling doctors. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026

Phrases Containing puzzle

• puzzle (out)