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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.

He views the latest study as part of a larger puzzle.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Those newer products have been one piece of the puzzle for big consumer-goods companies.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

This time, it’s more of a puzzle that will make Season 4 the longest production schedule ever for the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

I throw on running clothes and head downstairs, where Mom’s doing today’s crossword puzzle at the kitchen table with a steaming mug of coffee next to her.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison