as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain
the final fate of the colonists at Roanoke remains a puzzle to this very day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to baffle
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to solve
to find an answer for through reasoning
I was able to puzzle out the riddle in a fairly short time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzle
David Moin, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Being Able to Problem Solve Intelligent dogs also excel at problem-solving, whether that is figuring out a puzzle toy or how to open the front door.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Still others include puzzling recent bureaucratic changes in the legal framework of mining related to the requirements for resource assessments and feasibility studies, and also environmental and socioeconomic requirements for obtaining an exploitation license.
—IEEE Spectrum, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Noun
The 1,000-square-foot retail space offers swings, slipper art, puzzles, board, storytelling moments and a matcha bar in collaboration with the Montauk General Store.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Being Able to Problem Solve Intelligent dogs also excel at problem-solving, whether that is figuring out a puzzle toy or how to open the front door.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
The paradox offers a heady if puzzling thematic conceit for the return of Arcade Fire with their seventh album, Pink Elephant.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Still others include puzzling recent bureaucratic changes in the legal framework of mining related to the requirements for resource assessments and feasibility studies, and also environmental and socioeconomic requirements for obtaining an exploitation license.
—IEEE Spectrum, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
mystery
Noun
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Fan speculation has centered on Kendrick Lamar or Jay-Z being the mystery man.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
29 May 2025
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Read more: The 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time Another lingering mystery in Dept. Q is the identity of Sam Haig, a journalist with whom Merritt was romantically involved.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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