1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain
the whole situation remains a puzzlement to everyone who was there
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzlement
The murder mystery exists at the intersection of Elsbeth and Shondaland’s other White House show, Scandal, combining political intrigue with parlor-room puzzlement—and that parlor happens to be located in the most famous house in America.
—
Scarlett Harris, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Many progressives expressed puzzlement at how the party had failed to conduct a proper autopsy on the last election cycle.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Not surprisingly, this proposal provoked fierce resistance and puzzlement from Middle Eastern stakeholders, U.S. allies, and even some Congressional Republicans.
—Peter L. Hahn / Made By History, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Scarlett Harris, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2025
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Many progressives expressed puzzlement at how the party had failed to conduct a proper autopsy on the last election cycle.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Not surprisingly, this proposal provoked fierce resistance and puzzlement from Middle Eastern stakeholders, U.S. allies, and even some Congressional Republicans.
—Peter L. Hahn / Made By History, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement
Noun
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Plus, the bars are shaped like an ‘S’ and a ‘C’, so there’s no confusion as to which is which.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
27 May 2025
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Industry opponents — including one company employing unconventional methods — are pushing for a veto, arguing the law would sow confusion in a growing market and ultimately harm consumers looking for a safe, effective product.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Adding to the mystery, Teleios emits only in radio wavelengths, with a hint of hydrogen-alpha emissions.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
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Their quest: to finally solve the mystery of the Nameless and their connection to the Force, and to stop the blight before its damage becomes irreversible.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
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If driving through fog becomes inevitable, remember these safety guidelines: Moderate your speed: Slow down and allocate extra travel time to reach your destination safely.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
31 May 2025
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In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 May 2025
Noun
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Then, to the bewilderment of almost everyone in MLB circles, Elias did not attempt during the recent offseason to trade the O’s surplus of young position players for proven starting pitching.—
Paul Bledsoe,
Baltimore Sun,
21 May 2025
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Adding to the bewilderment many people felt at the breakneck pace of events, the truce was initially announced not by India or Pakistan but by President Trump on social media.—
Anupreeta Das,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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