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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.

“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

This puzzle could have an encouraging explanation: Productivity, which means workers are producing goods and services more efficiently, has revived at just the right time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The researchers tested their system using the Tower of Hanoi puzzle, a classic problem that requires careful planning.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Other scientists were quick to contest TurboQuant’s capabilities, leaving investors with a puzzle.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Figuring out the best way to communicate with the dragon was like working a puzzle.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville