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Definitions

puzzle

[puhz-uhl] / ˈpʌz əl /
NOUN
challenging, mysterious problem
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conundrum enigma mindboggler problem
STRONG
brainteaser grabber mystery paradox poser question riddle sticker stickler stumper teaser
WEAK
chiller closed book rune sphinx
VERB
baffle, confuse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amaze befuddle bemuse bewilder complicate confound disconcert distract disturb dumbfound flabbergast flummox frustrate mystify nonplus perplex rattle stump
STRONG
addle bamboozle beat befog buffalo discombobulate floor foil obscure pose snow stir stumble throw
WEAK
get to profundicate psych out put off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
appease calm clarify clear up comfort enlighten explain explicate facilitate help soothe
STRONG
aid assist lose
WEAK
elucidate illustrate not care unravel
VERB
wonder about
Synonyms
STRONG
brood cudgel marvel muse ponder study
WEAK
ask oneself mull over rack one's brains think about think hard
Antonyms
STRONG
forget ignore neglect
WEAK
clarify elucidate explain illustrate not care unravel

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A long-standing puzzle involving dozens of unusually small dinosaur fossils has finally been resolved.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

They are such critical pieces of the puzzle.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

Roo's mysterious case was also being reviewed by teams at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children and it was a chance phone call with one endocrinologist there that provided the missing piece of the puzzle.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

He said mortgage rates are only one piece of the puzzle in thawing L.A.’s market, citing skyrocketing insurance rates and Hollywood’s bleak job market as other factors keeping demand down.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

She looks at me like she’s trying to solve a puzzle.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith