puzzle 1 of 2

as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain the final fate of the colonists at Roanoke remains a puzzle to this very day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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puzzle

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun puzzle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of puzzle are enigma, mystery, problem, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When is enigma a more appropriate choice than puzzle?

While in some cases nearly identical to puzzle, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

Where would mystery be a reasonable alternative to puzzle?

Although the words mystery and puzzle have much in common, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

When would problem be a good substitute for puzzle?

While the synonyms problem and puzzle are close in meaning, problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

When might riddle be a better fit than puzzle?

The meanings of riddle and puzzle largely overlap; however, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

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 puzzle
Noun
The other piece of the sonic puzzle moves into higher territory, before yielding to the electrostatic modules. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025 But beneath the optimism lies a complex web of engineering puzzles, regulatory challenges, and the daunting task of building an entirely new engine. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
Their proliferation has left some residents puzzled, with many on Chinese social media questioning why these stores seem to have sprung up overnight. Marc Stewart, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025 The two priests agreed to leave only after prolonged discussions among parish leaders, attorneys on cellphone calls and puzzled police officers. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle
Noun
  • The Jewish couple fled Vienna in 1938 to Monaco, just before World War II, but the painting’s whereabouts until 2023 remained a mystery.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025
  • After consuming the flame, Anna gains extraordinary dance abilities and begins unraveling the mystery behind her friend’s death.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Most were baffled at the fact the eggs still contained actual egg.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • However, she’s baffled at why social media activity may have contributed to the arrest.
    Polo Sandoval, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • For a former player who was known as a cutthroat defender, he was perplexed by his players’ disappointing effort.
    Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • However, she too was perplexed about the role of the pro-prefect.
    Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Dodgers are on Spectrum SportsNet LA, which is not to be confused with Spectrum SportsNet, which carries the Lakers.
    Chad Jennings, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But don't confuse him with Chris Evans' Human Torch who first cropped up in the 2005 Fantastic Four film and made a memorable cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine last year.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That’s all bewildering plot-wise, but Morrison also bewilders readers through language.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Ukrainians are bewildered, wondering how the U.S. went so quickly from isolating the Kremlin to appearing to embrace it.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 24 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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