puzzling

adjective

puz·​zling ˈpə-zə-liŋ 

ˈpəz-liŋ

: difficult to understand or solve

puzzling symptoms

puzzlingly adverb

Examples of puzzling in a Sentence

The directions are somewhat puzzling.

Recent Examples on the Web

The preseason play wasn’t encouraging, and Canales’ decision to rest the starters in the exhibition finale looks even more puzzling in hindsight, especially after the offensive group produced three three-and-outs and one touchdown drive. —Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

One fact of the crime scene grabbed the most attention and remains to this day the most puzzling, tantalizing, and frightening aspect of the discovery of the body. —Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025

Season four concluded with yet another puzzling death, this time of Lester Coluca (Teddy Coluca), the faithful doorman of the Arconia. —Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Never fear, Benoit Blanc is here to solve yet another puzzling mystery. —Leia Mendoza, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1659, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for puzzling

• guzzling