puzzled 1 of 2

puzzled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of puzzle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzled
Adjective
  • But the on-again, off-again nature of the process has resulted in a bewildered industry that has adopted a wait and see approach to investment decisions and supply chain alterations.
    Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Old Trafford was where distraught, bewildered fans felt physically compelled to go to express their grief.
    Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Guthrie’s buddy Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) in visiting him, and Bob walks into the room looking quizzical.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024
  • And there were some quizzical looks and whispers about the guy walking around the Peoria Sports Complex in restricted areas.
    Kevin Acee, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Peck and Mount stand wearing bemused grins, while Gooding displays a mysterious countenance and stylish new hairdo while casually seated.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • His manner with the girl is more bemused, placating.
    Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Subject to partisan litmus tests, military leaders might be wary of offering advice that contradicts the administration’s priorities.
    Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
  • That might mean that a recession caused by the Trump administration's tariff policy would actually drive adoption of artificial intelligence by companies that have so far been wary of the tech.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Nwodim was clearly surprised but also seemed a little thrilled, merrily noting that the show was going to get fined as Jost and Che howled with laughter behind her.
    Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Sheeran has made some pop-up appearances recently, busking in front of surprised passers-by, while also previewing tracks from the forthcoming record for tastemakers.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Dawn Staley, who’s undefeated in NCAA finals, is cautious in taking that fact into consideration.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Be cautious about fertilizing, as nitrogen can interfere with blooming.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many people get confused by these forms which contain code and jargon that rarely offer a clear explanation of anything.
    Steve Weisman, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Not to be confused with DEI training, skill building is a way to help people improve their communication skills, negotiation style and overall understanding of relevant topics, all while leveling up professionally.
    Doug Melville, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Mastroianni, who co-wrote the script with Sloan, carries the film with her paranoid performance as Frankie.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025
  • That’s too bad for several reasons, including Lee’s meticulous reconstruction of Hong Kong and Shanghai under Japanese occupation, paranoid, perilous places in which anyone could be working with the occupying forces or conspiring against them.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Puzzled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzled. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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