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.

When it is done ramping, Qualcomm will have all four pieces of the puzzle.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

When economists say that they have a puzzle, they don’t mean the kind with 1,000 pieces.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 26, 2026

Renewable energy, nuclear power and conservation were certainly pieces of the solution puzzle.

From Salon • Jun. 26, 2026

Det Ch Insp Sam Khanna said he wanted her "friends or associates to come forward as they may help us build the missing pieces of the puzzle to understand how she came to harm".

From BBC • Jun. 22, 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