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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.

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

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

I feel like that is my favorite piece of the puzzle with being an artist.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

The possible presence of an atmosphere may help explain another puzzle: the planet's lower than expected density.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

Coordinating time zone is only one tiny piece of the puzzle to pull this event off.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

The missing puzzle piece I’d mentioned to Elliot slammed into place with a certainty and clarity that literally took my breath away.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.