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Dictionary.com
Definitions

puzzle out

VERB
clear up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clarify illustrate resolve solve straighten out unravel
WEAK
answer cipher decipher dissolve elucidate figure out illuminate make plausible make reasonable tidy unfold
Antonyms
STRONGEST
question wonder
WEAK
complicate worsen
VERB
decipher
Synonyms
STRONGEST
analyze break down decode deduce elucidate interpret solve translate unravel
STRONG
break cipher construe crack disentangle encipher explain expound read render reveal spell unfold
WEAK
bring out dope out find the key make clear make out unriddle
Antonyms
STRONG
conceal confuse fix hide mend obscure suppress
WEAK
code encode scramble
VERB
do
Synonyms
STRONGEST
resolve work out
STRONG
adapt decipher decode interpret render translate transliterate transpose
Antonyms
WEAK
defer destroy fail idle lose miss neglect pass put off undo
VERB
figure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conclude determine discover fathom resolve see settle solve suppose think
STRONG
cipher comprehend crack decipher decode disentangle follow get master opine reason rule unfold unravel unscramble untangle
WEAK
catch on to clear up dope out make heads or tails of make out think out unriddle
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disbelieve question wonder
STRONG
misunderstand
VERB
resolve
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agree answer clear up conclude deal with decide determine fix iron out propose settle solve undertake work out
STRONG
analyze anatomize break choose clinch decipher decree design dissect dissolve elect elucidate fathom figure intend lick purpose rule unfold unravel untangle unzip will work
WEAK
break down make a point of pan out pass upon remain firm take a stand work through
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin forget hesitate oppose question refuse start unsettle
STRONG
assemble fasten hide join mend put together tangle
WEAK
mull waver wonder

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.

Trying to puzzle out what he “really” meant, as opposed to what he actually said, will get you nowhere.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2025

But Maitlis says she spent years "trying to puzzle out" what the words meant.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2024

Once they had the pseudorandom graph in place, they still had to puzzle out several pieces of math.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2024

Without information from a weather radar or other optical measurements, he says, it is challenging to puzzle out the small-scale processes within thunderstorms.

From National Geographic • Oct. 6, 2023

She was trying to puzzle out the mystery of seeing her father the night before.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland