Synonyms of puzzlement

puzzlement

noun

ˈpə-zəl-mənt 

1

as in confusion

a state of mental uncertainty

her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confusion
• fog
• bewilderment
• perplexity
• bafflement
• tangle
• bemusement
• befuddlement
• mystification
• discomfort
• dismay
• discombobulation
• head-scratching
• embarrassment
• distress
• bamboozlement
• confusedness
• maze
• distraction
• bewilderedness
• discomfiture
• mortification
• chagrin
• muddle
• whirl
• agitation
• upset
• commotion
• perturbation
• disquiet
• turmoil
• disturbance
• abashment
• flurry
• disconcertment
• fuss
• fluster
• bother
• dither
• stew

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conviction
• certainty
• confidence
• assurance
• certitude
• sureness
• positiveness

2

as in mystery

something hard to understand or explain

the whole situation remains a puzzlement to everyone who was there

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples of puzzlement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Related Articles The Italian designer has also become, to his apparent puzzlement, an icon for young generations thanks to his inimitable, offhand elegance. —Miles Socha, WWD, 3 Sep. 2024

This move was greeted with puzzlement by many, including this very newsletter, because on the surface the Dodgers appear to be a much better team with Betts in right and Miguel Rojas at short. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024

Hedy Chang, the founder and executive director of Attendance Works, says this puzzlement has persisted among parents. —Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 11 June 2024

May 5, 2024 Markus Johnson slumped naked against the wall of his cell, skin flecked with pepper spray, his face a mask of puzzlement, exhaustion and resignation. —Glenn Thrush Carlos Javier Ortiz, New York Times, 5 May 2024