1
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
2
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain
the whole situation remains a puzzlement to everyone who was there
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Example Sentences
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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
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
-
As Mars pushes against Jupiter, doing too much creates confusion.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
But in the confusion and shock of the shutdown, few travelers appeared to notice, or make use of, the offers.—
Gloria Pazmino,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Noun
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The Sphere visuals - always a highlight - didn't disappoint with moving images of old yearbook photos, a dip to the bottom of the ocean and a magical mystery carnival ride.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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Director Kyle Balda serves up a cup of comfort and joy with his pleasant, cozy British mystery, a creature feature charmer where cute talking animatronic sheep hoof it about a quaint little village to figure out who slew their genial shepherd George (Hugh Jackman).—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Noun
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These sensors enable real-time monitoring across a wide range of conditions, including low light, fog, and obstructed environments, while onboard AI and machine-learning classifiers help identify and flag potential threats.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
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His 2025 tape, WOMB, embodied this through his pensive grumbles over wispy vocal chops; each bar that cut through the fog was steeped in sober gravitas.—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Not so for Siri Hustvedt, whose shattering and beautiful new memoir mirrors, in fragmented structure, the broken bewilderment of grief.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
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Mac Wilkins stepped into the discus ring that afternoon in a state of bewilderment.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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