as in mysteries
something hard to understand or explain
the final fate of the colonists at Roanoke remains a puzzle to this very day
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in baffles
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzles
Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
There are many puzzles that hint at this.
—Big Think, 19 Mar. 2026
Then an inquiry came from TableTop Game & Hobby, a longtime Overland Park business that sells all sorts of non-electronic games, puzzles, gaming accessories and hobby supplies.
—Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
Pick Your Next Read Pop into Neighborly Books and browse the selection of books, games, puzzles, and stationery.
—Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 3 Mar. 2026
Guests can discover hidden details, solve creative puzzles and unlock tactile surprises hidden throughout the exhibits.
—Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
There are serving pieces from eras when salads were made from gelatin, boxes of puzzles and games, and a rainbow of beautiful glassware fit for dinner.
—Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026
ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026
While everyone else puzzles it over, Coe is already on his way to the multi-faith ceremony at Abbotsfield, where Mayor Jaffrey is joining other mourners to honor the 11 people killed in the assault that opened the season.
—Scott Tobias, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
There are many puzzles that hint at this.
—Big Think, 19 Mar. 2026
Then an inquiry came from TableTop Game & Hobby, a longtime Overland Park business that sells all sorts of non-electronic games, puzzles, gaming accessories and hobby supplies.
—Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
Pick Your Next Read Pop into Neighborly Books and browse the selection of books, games, puzzles, and stationery.
—Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 3 Mar. 2026
Guests can discover hidden details, solve creative puzzles and unlock tactile surprises hidden throughout the exhibits.
—Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
There are serving pieces from eras when salads were made from gelatin, boxes of puzzles and games, and a rainbow of beautiful glassware fit for dinner.
—Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
The lineage of these hybrids traces back to Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island, a discovery that still puzzles scientists today.
—ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026
While everyone else puzzles it over, Coe is already on his way to the multi-faith ceremony at Abbotsfield, where Mayor Jaffrey is joining other mourners to honor the 11 people killed in the assault that opened the season.
—Scott Tobias, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzles
Noun
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Out there, among the stars, galaxies, and beyond, lie solutions to the greatest mysteries of all.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Thousands of books and media items for children and adults will be available, including mysteries, biographies, large print, teen and children’s books.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The move baffles health care advocates and Medicaid experts.—
Daniel Chang,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Mount predator baffles and guards to the pole or tree during installation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But the unknown in that equation is what perplexes the Mavericks and has the team stuck for now.—
Tim Cowlishaw,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Go somewhere that confuses your algorithm.—
Kevin Sintumuang,
Outside,
10 Mar. 2026
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An actress in 1962 Cuban, as its missiles crisis rages, confuses her role in a film and real life.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Nandi is experiencing severe insomnia, tremors and psychosis, and her quickly deteriorating condition bewilders the emergency room staff.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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The designs were puckish and gender-bending, evoking both awe and repulsion—the sort of clothing that titillates lovers of conceptual fashion and bewilders the uninitiated.—
Ana Karina Zatarain,
New Yorker,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzles. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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