1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzlement
Sandie Yeaman, of Omaha, Nebraska, expressed puzzlement at the connection.
—
Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement
Noun
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The move sparked anxiety, confusion and intense pushback from public school districts and advocates nationwide.—
Rachel Wegner,
The Tennessean,
27 July 2025
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Besides confusion among the crowd and a brief delay turning over Hall H from one panel to the next, the alarm did not seem to cause any major disruption to Friday's festivities.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Fox went on to appear in 2009's Sherlock Holmes and 2018's Christmas Survival, as well as guest starring in several British mystery television shows, including Midsomer Murders, Death in Paradise and Downton Abbey.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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The cast for the first (and only) season of the Columbo-esque mystery series also featured Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, Susan Kelechi Watson, Edwina Findley, Bronson Pinchot, Mary Wiseman, Julieth Restrepo, Al Mitchell, Mel Rodriguez, Ken Marino, Jason Lee and Jane Curtin, among others.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Lifting the London fog A Burberry store at Fashion Valley, an upscale shopping mall, on Dec. 13, 2024, in San Diego, California.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
18 July 2025
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Still, try to hold off from signing contracts or making major purchases until the fog clears.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
17 July 2025
Noun
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Afterward, the Chelsea players expressed their bewilderment about Trump’s presence on stage.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
14 July 2025
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The judge’s tone is one of bewilderment because these circumstances are indeed bewildering, and no doubt would be to the Founding Fathers who expressly rejected monarchy and established a system of government where the citizenry would be free to express its discontent at government policies.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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