PUZZLING Synonyms: 214 Similar and Opposite Words

puzzling 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of puzzling

as in inexplicable

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Dissimilar Words

as in perplexing

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Dissimilar Words

puzzling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of puzzle

as in baffling

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 puzzling

Adjective

The puzzling question has been that, considering the high competition from other sourcing regions in the vicinity, including Vietnam and Bangladesh, and facing relatively higher labor costs, how can Thailand continue to stay in the game? — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 McAlister remaining unsigned has been one of the more puzzling offseason storylines for TCU. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026

Verb

The move may seem puzzling, from a KC perspective, but Joveljić was the biggest asset Sporting had on its roster. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 Shortstop Jeremy Peña’s puzzling decision not to attempt a throw home as the go-ahead run scored only exacerbated matters. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for puzzling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzling

Adjective

The film fails to convey the fearsome, inexplicable beauty that Herzog clearly sees (or perhaps once saw) in this story.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
What will happen to the stage where Elvis’s swiveling pelvis was kept demurely out of frame, where the Beatles made their American debut, where Jackie Mason may or may not have flipped the bird at the host, where Topo Gigio found inexplicable fame?

— Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of inexplicable

Verb

The sequel, on the other hand, is shaped by baffling decisions from director Susanne Bier and cinematographer Simon Duggan that render the film antiseptic.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Despite some protests about a dog contributing to the game, Buddy — clad in a bright blue jersey and two pairs of basketball kicks — scores baffling basket after baffling basket, leaving the other team shocked.

— Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Definition of baffling

Adjective

These mysterious features are a bunch of broad, shallow pits scattered across the Martian bedrock.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
But his plans are turned upside down by a mysterious announcement signed by Lupin, that multiple museums are to be hit with simultaneous heists.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of mysterious

Verb

The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.

— Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
But these casting decisions are bewildering, to say the least, and will certainly cost the film ticket sales and potential revenue.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of bewildering

Adjective

Of all the awful plays the Carolina defense made Sunday in a 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears, two of the most incomprehensible came from one of their best and smartest players.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2026
The first two interceptions weren’t great, but the third one was truly incomprehensible.

— Chad Graff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of incomprehensible

Adjective

The bizarre explanation brought an end to an episode that generated widespread attention online after Pierre initially accused the courier of stealing the order.

— Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
An exhausting, head-spinning and often downright silly offseason is officially over after college football really kicked off on Thursday (after the always bizarre Week 0 last weekend).

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026