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

Example Sentences

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