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
Staying mentally active, reading, doing puzzles, learning new skills and maintaining strong social connections are also important. Nawab John Dar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025 At first none of the murders seem to be related, yet these mysterious puzzle segments appear around the time of each crime. Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
So, Elon Musk's initial choice to stand beside a global warming skeptic as the CEO of a clean energy and automotive company was puzzling to say the least. Charles Singh, USA Today, 7 June 2025 Poland said he’s been puzzled by Kennedy’s statements, too. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
  • With the entire dataset open to the public, the team hopes the fresh eyes, as well as graduate and undergraduate astronomers, will uncover something new and unlock clues about cosmic mysteries like dark matter and the physics of the early universe.
    Jay Kakade June 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2025
  • But two new studies — which researchers say are among the biggest paleoanthropology papers of the year — detail how scientists were able to extract genetic material from the fossil and help unravel this biological mystery.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • When Burrell wasn’t tapped to join the show’s 28th season in January — after playing a central role in the first 27 — viewers were appalled and even Burrell was baffled.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • Many bat species live for 20 to 40 years, in the wild or in captivity, baffling scientists.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
  • They’re perplexed by the new arrival in their midst, but in time Laura and the lonely, unforthcoming Max warm to each other, and the four form an odd, intuitive family unit.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.
    Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 14 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 1 Jul. 2025.

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