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
Below you’ll find an extra set of hints, the categories for each group and, finally, the solution to today’s puzzle. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Looking for a free mini puzzle? Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Younger music fans might be puzzled by high demand for tickets for Oasis; the British band had its biggest hits in the 1990s. Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025 Tyler, the Creator has turned 2025’s Camp Flog Gnaw announcement into a puzzling quest. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
  • These fossils are now helping to solve a mystery in paleontology.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
  • At the baseline, that means making sure not to let the trash can overflow and instead taking it out often, as well as ensuring spots like your trash can, sink disposal, or fridge are free of any mystery odors.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That’s baffling to me that it was even checked.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Willis, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker who starred for the San Francisco 49ers, was baffled by Jerry Jones sending Parsons to Green Bay.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Many historians have been perplexed by how such a seemingly simple man as Shakespeare could have written works of such grandeur and depth.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Norman is perplexed by shootings like this.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This decision could confuse your friends.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The season ended with the two attending a sleepover at Cody's house after his mom confused Beavis and Butt-Head with her son's friends.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And aren’t our real-life romantic complications bewildering enough?
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Its ginormous investments in higher-value, tech-heavy sectors from smartphones to autos to semiconductors to biotechnology are disrupting the global landscape at bewildering speed.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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