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.

Yang: Last year was a communication puzzle to solve.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Leading companies have different business models, and it is important to know where each one fits into the energy puzzle.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

He and his team think they have found a missing piece of the puzzle.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

However, an important piece of the puzzle was still missing.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026

It’s like I’ve been given a puzzle that’s missing a bunch of pieces.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

puzzle

Example Sentences

Related Words