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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.

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

But for those with an ear for knotty structures that sometimes feel like puzzle pieces, taking in the whole of the record is rewarding, even fun.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

“But when I got here I was like, this is the missing puzzle piece that my life needed.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Once I’ve worn myself out, I point to the puzzle box.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison