PUZZLES Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

puzzles 1 of 2

noun

plural of puzzle

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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puzzles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of puzzle

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of puzzles

Noun

Though their origins may be shrouded in mystery, fast radio bursts (FRBs) could be used to probe some of the universe's biggest puzzles. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2026 Central colleague cafes provide complimentary premium coffee and beverages, while gaming lounges with puzzles and tabletop games offer opportunities for hands-on breaks from screens. — Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026 With John reluctantly pulled into one of his strangest puzzles yet, the race is on for the Taylors to solve the crime. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 The new games launching today, however, include an introductory set of bonus puzzles that anyone can play without a subscription. — Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 2 Sep. 2026 The show, inspired by the popular puzzle game, will feature teams of three avid players who will go head-to-head in solving puzzles for a cash prize. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 Caleb loves puzzles, building Lego models and animals, and regularly volunteers with an animal shelter and cat rescue to help socialize the animals. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 Gently used board books, children’s books and adult books will be available for purchase, along with puzzles, games, CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs for sale. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2026 Cartoonists on Dolly Parton's life and legacy Join 350,000+ subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 29 Aug. 2026

Verb

These Companies Are Ready To Cash In Sixsmith argues his firm is unusual in pushing more traders through to genuine live accounts, which is why the reluctance to go there puzzles him. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 The pitch can move to either direction of the plate — a profile that still puzzles his teammates and pitch recognition tools. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Although many economists say the market was overvalued and a decline was inevitable, what triggered the crash is open to debate, and the sheer magnitude of the drop still puzzles economists. — Barbara Hagenbaugh, USA Today, 22 June 2026 What still puzzles me, amid all these noteworthy projects, is Dudamel’s way with the standard repertory. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 These word puzzles all covertly reference the years-old disappearance of Charlie, Martha’s brilliant older sister. — The Know, Denver Post, 4 June 2026 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

Once there, Roman will study some of the biggest mysteries in astronomy, from dark energy to the formation of galaxies.

— Thomas Fauchez, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
Produced for Arte, the unscripted series, which is set in Paris, Rome, London and New York, sheds light on one of the art world’s greatest mysteries.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of mysteries

Verb

Meanwhile, McGrew agreed to adjustments, including adding baffles to reduce sound from a attached generator for the tower and replacing tower fencing that incorporated barbed wire with taller, more natural looking fencing.

— Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Using humane methods like squirrel baffles and tree nets can effectively keep squirrels out of your fruit trees.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Definition of baffles

Verb

As fans of the comedian know, Ali G is a streetwise interviewer whose hip hop slang often bewilders guests such as Noam Chomsky, Andy Rooney and Newt Gingrich.

— Brent Lang, Variety, 7 July 2026
The narrator and his wife find that their attachment to the charismatic and cryptic Chibi grows with the cat’s increasing visits, in a way that bewilders them but somehow bonds them closer together.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026