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
Sandie Yeaman, of Omaha, Nebraska, expressed puzzlement at the connection.
—
Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
The murder mystery exists at the intersection of Elsbeth and Shondaland’s other White House show, Scandal, combining political intrigue with parlor-room puzzlement—and that parlor happens to be located in the most famous house in America.
—Scarlett Harris, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Many progressives expressed puzzlement at how the party had failed to conduct a proper autopsy on the last election cycle.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
The murder mystery exists at the intersection of Elsbeth and Shondaland’s other White House show, Scandal, combining political intrigue with parlor-room puzzlement—and that parlor happens to be located in the most famous house in America.
—Scarlett Harris, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Many progressives expressed puzzlement at how the party had failed to conduct a proper autopsy on the last election cycle.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement
Noun
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That means naming the fear, the confusion and even the shame that might arise.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
That temptation, rich in moral confusion, runs through Leonardland, onscreen as on the page.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Noun
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So there's going to be a strong reaction in both directions for this mystery houseguest.—
David Wysong,
The Enquirer,
4 July 2025
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In addition, Lind played the young version of Amanda Clarke (Emily VanCamp) in a recurring role on the ABC mystery thriller Revenge from 2011-2015, and the recurring role of Ariel on the CBS medical drama Code Black from 2015-2018.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
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Navigating a business through economic uncertainty can feel like driving at night on an unfamiliar road as the fog rolls in.—
Anita Nelson,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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An international team of astronomers now suggests this signal could be used to determine how light from the first stars interacted with this cosmic fog, helping to lift it.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
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The judge’s tone is one of bewilderment because these circumstances are indeed bewildering, and no doubt would be to the Founding Fathers who expressly rejected monarchy and established a system of government where the citizenry would be free to express its discontent at government policies.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2025
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There was a palpable mix of shock and bewilderment in the loss, and even confidence in the Leafs’ chances ahead in Game 6.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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