as in baffled
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in bewildered
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in quizzical
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzled
Adjective
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This run – and the exhausted, bewildered looks on the players’ faces throughout it – has no doubt shaped Inter’s odds to win away to Barcelona, which look pretty close to long shot territory.—
Sam Tighe,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025 -
In the two years since Tommy Elliott was killed in a mass shooting, Maryanne’s grief has, in turns, left her aghast and overwhelmed, bewildered and incapacitated, grateful and wanting to die.—
Kristina Goetz,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Other jurors appeared curious and quizzical, some looking at Cassie or jotting notes.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
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Team owner Shad Khan looked up with a quizzical expression.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The bemused cat owner couldn't resist sharing Luna's mischief on TikTok (@megs.amanda) with a video showing the paw print in one of the cookies.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
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When Anisimova lost the Queen’s final last month to 37-year-old Tatyana Maria, she was totally bemused by the German’s cat and mouse tactics.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Judge, always wary of self-congratulation, downplayed his contributions.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
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Those who did speak were wary of unintended consequences, particularly on special education or immigrant students.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
24 July 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Starting Jets center Joe Tippmann was one of those surprised people, but Glenn called Tippmann shortly after the deal was made to explain his thinking.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
23 July 2025
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Based on the findings, don’t be surprised if there are more lessons to be learned from the tragedy.—
Edward Segal,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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Be cautious using public Wi-Fi Avoid logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi or always use a VPN.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
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No, things aren’t all roses, but at least some cautious optimism is in order.—
Bruce Yandle,
Boston Herald,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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One of Nicole Mitchell’s aunts testified that Carol Mitchell’s communications became increasingly paranoid in the months following the death of her husband Rod Mitchell.—
Ingrid Harbo,
Twin Cities,
17 July 2025
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Ruiz’s father told San Antonio Express-News that his son had been exhibiting signs of a mental disorder, including having hallucinations and making paranoid accusations, in the days leading up to the stabbing.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
2 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Puzzled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzled. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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