PUZZLEMENT Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

puzzlement

noun

ˈpə-zəl-mənt

Definition of puzzlement

as in confusion

a state of mental uncertainty her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mystery

something hard to understand or explain the whole situation remains a puzzlement to everyone who was there

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 puzzlement Even though Davis was six years older than Dončic at the time of the trade and had a more extensive injury history, Harrison defended his decision amid overwhelming backlash and puzzlement from Mavs fans as the deal rippled throughout the sport. — Christian Clark, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 Trump’s fondness for Putin has long been clear, and also a subject of much puzzlement. — Kim Lane Scheppele, Time, 6 Nov. 2025 His efforts are met with puzzlement by everyone but the children. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025 As such, anyone who took this type of interim role is going to be out of a job and possibly have something on their resume that will be a puzzlement. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzlement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement

Noun

Even though talks with the Boston Red Sox at last year’s deadline never got close, the confusion provided by an incorrect tweet announcing Ryan’s trade to New England put the pitcher at the top of every trade list before the season even began.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
There have been confusion and contradictions in the lead up to the visit over accommodation arrangements for the Sussex family.

— Max Foster, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of confusion

Noun

The 23 crew members fought through dense fog and dealt with equipment issues after leaving port on June 5.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
As the fog slowly revealed and concealed the towering limestone islets, the tranquil scenery was a grounding way to experience one of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes.

— Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2026

Definition of fog

Noun

There was bewilderment, also, at the failure of the referee to get any kind of grip or control over the Paraguayan antics.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
And Bericoto, to the bewilderment of everyone, put his head down and started jogging to second, apparently thinking Haase had struck out.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 June 2026

Definition of bewilderment

Browse Nearby Words

puzzled (out)

puzzlement

puzzlements

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Style

“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of puzzlement

noun

Example Sentences

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