puzzling

adjective

puz·​zling ˈpə-zə-liŋ How to pronounce puzzling (audio)
ˈpəz-liŋ
Synonyms of puzzlingnext
: 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
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.
Here are seven of the most puzzling plane disappearances in history. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 While scientists have long understood the importance of this cloak, one aspect of its biology has remained deeply puzzling. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 More puzzling, critics said, has been the union’s response to other farmworker advocates. Marcos Breton, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026 On the flip side, Orlando has been a puzzling disappointment, a team — just like the Heat — that has followed a seven-game winning streak with an ongoing five-game losing streak. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for puzzling

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puzzling was circa 1659

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puzzling. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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