puzzlement

noun

puz·​zle·​ment ˈpə-zəl-mənt How to pronounce puzzlement (audio)
1
: the state of being puzzled : perplexity
2
: puzzle

Examples of puzzlement in a Sentence

The cause of the accident has been a source of puzzlement. The explanation only increased their puzzlement.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
How Ward failed to deal with the bouncing ball as Gomes desperately lunged at it is another puzzlement. Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement about what went wrong with her poll. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 After this initial puzzlement, I got used to switching to Edit view quickly. PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 More:The puzzlement of Austin’s original city plan By 1860, buildings were increasingly being made of stone, brick or sawn boards. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for puzzlement 

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of puzzlement was in 1731

Dictionary Entries Near puzzlement

Cite this Entry

“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puzzlement. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

puzzlement

noun
puz·​zle·​ment ˈpəz-əl-mənt How to pronounce puzzlement (audio)
1
: the state of being puzzled
2

More from Merriam-Webster on puzzlement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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