puzzle 1 of 2

Definition of puzzlenext
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
Everybody’s a part of the puzzle. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 One month later, software developer Colin Sanders solved the puzzle, bringing to an end the wildly successful marketing saga, and a month of continuous engagement and media coverage. Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026
Verb
At first, Gulati was puzzled by the idea. Neha Bhatt, NPR, 13 June 2026 The 24 hours between Sunday and Monday made an already puzzling situation even more head spinning. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
  • The delightful and deceptively deep family mystery comedy stars Hugh Jackman as an English shepherd (Hugh Jackman) who is found dead.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Exactly what to expect from Toney, who most received the title of EA Sports College Football 27 cover athlete, remains a bit of mystery.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The Illinois numbers, especially this year’s, are baffling experts.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • Using humane methods like squirrel baffles and tree nets can effectively keep squirrels out of your fruit trees.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • In 2024, now grown and with her adoptive father’s approval, the young woman sets off with a wealthy merchant to piece together the historical enigmas surrounding the ancient Sumpa kingdom.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2026
  • Senga has been an enigma for the Mets over the last few years.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Sometimes those editing swings make sense, like incorporating more social-media posts and group chats, but other times the stylistic choices simply perplex.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 25 June 2026
  • Many are perplexed by the decision to partner with Target given the boycott taking place due to the company’s rollback of DEI initiatives.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • London Falling is an investigation of an inexplicable death told through the lens of parents struggling to solve the riddle of who their son really was.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
  • The machine’s repertoire included answers to 12 riddles, passages from books, and laughing, crying and kissing sounds, as well as arias sung in both male and female voices—all feats that Edison’s phonograph would one day be able to accomplish by recording and playing back the human voice.
    Ron Cowen, Scientific American, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • So The Listeners — not to be confused with 2022’s The Listener starring Tessa Thompson and you in a voice role — is just now reaching the States.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026
  • Why The Market Misprices Good Companies Investors often confuse business quality with investment quality.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • For three years straight, he’s kept up a pace that bewilders the industry’s leading comics.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 17 June 2026
  • The narrator and his wife find that their attachment to the charismatic and cryptic Chibi grows with the cat’s increasing visits, in a way that bewilders them but somehow bonds them closer together.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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