stumper

noun

Definition of stumpernext
as in riddle

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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 stumper While its peculiar sport partnering is a worthwhile trivia stumper, Nordic combined is one of the 16 original Winter Olympics events, dating back to the Games’ origins in 1924 in Chamonix, France. — Dana Oneil, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stumper
  1. riddle
  2. puzzle
  3. conundrum
  4. stickler
  5. brainteaser
  6. poser
  7. toughie
  8. quiz
Noun
  • The bond between Anthony Fauci and Larry Kramer is one of history’s happy riddles.
    — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Those two performances encapsulated Colorado’s starting pitching problem, which has long been the central riddle for the Rockies to solve.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of riddle
Noun
  • What is a ball maze if not a puzzle that looks like a roadmap?
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • These novels are puzzles at their core, and using logic to solve the mystery before it’s revealed in the book is, to me, the main pleasure in reading them.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of puzzle
Noun
  • In that regard, Reed was no different from anyone else who has tried and failed to solve the Wembanyama conundrum.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The major conundrum designers face with modern explorer yachts is balancing function and form.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of conundrum
Noun
  • While the room itself is beautiful and decked out in all sorts of LoveShackFancy prints and patterns, Julie Ann was a stickler for space-saving.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Strict meal times and long happy hours tell us that the French are sticklers about having a break and leaning into leisure, which doesn’t sound half bad at all.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of stickler
Noun
  • Tweens will enjoy a good challenge with this bestselling brainteaser.
    — Anja Webb, Parents, 15 Sep. 2026
  • That’s not meant as a brainteaser.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Definition of brainteaser
Noun
  • The new clip opens with Baron Cohen’s famous poser character reintroducing himself after 20 long years.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The latest slang to capture the Gen Z zeitgeist is a way to say poser, try-hard or fraud.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of poser
Noun
  • Other toughies are at the not-so-soft Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, the revenge trip to New England in Week 15 and the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Week 17.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • And special days call for special grids, such as this set of six toughies that were originally shelved but have remained in our hearts.
    — Vulture Editors, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of toughie
Noun
  • Take the quiz here … LISTEN Tune in as both parties make their final push toward the midterms, with tight Senate races and energy policies taking center stage.
    — , FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • BackpackBuckyChunkMarshmallowStudious Share full article Whet Moser, Daniel Ajootian and the staff of the Morning newsletter compiled this week’s quiz.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of quiz

Browse Nearby Words

stumped
stumper
stumpers
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Cite this Entry

“Stumper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stumper. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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