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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzlement
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
His quotes circulated widely, shared by bloggers and fans on social media with a bit of puzzlement and delight but with little follow-up or explanation.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
His quotes circulated widely, shared by bloggers and fans on social media with a bit of puzzlement and delight but with little follow-up or explanation.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement
Noun
-
Supporters argue that maintaining a consistent time year-round would reduce confusion, improve safety and enhance productivity.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
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Likely in response to the confusion, prominent cleric Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi on Saturday urged Iran’s Assembly of Experts to act quickly to name a new supreme leader.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Mamdani emerged from this shroud of mystery triumphant, posting a photograph on X of himself, firmly straight-faced, standing alongside the grinning President.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The internet is undoubtedly already running through every possible male celebrity candidate, but for now, this one remains a mystery.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
As temperatures cool into the 60s, the risk of fog will increase.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Instead, three years after voting to support their own work stoppage against the major studios, the writers that marched alongside staff on the busy corner of Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street expressed disappointment and bewilderment that this issue had not yet been resolved.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2026
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The surge has drawn the attention of influencers and media outlets alike, sparking reactions that range from laughter and bewilderment to outright anger.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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