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.

Jenkin has suggested his latest is a commentary on sacrifice and community, but any concrete theory of “Rose of Nevada” risks allowing his enigmatic puzzle to lose its shattering spell of mystery and foreboding.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

This is the part of the puzzle that should be easy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

If that's correct, a puzzle emerges: did the RAT deploy earlier than investigators currently believe - perhaps before the engines lost power?

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

That doesn’t mean investors can’t learn to like a puzzle.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

But I know it’s only puzzle night she likes.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

puzzle

Example Sentences

Related Words