PUZZLE Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'puzzle' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of puzzle are enigma , mystery , problem , and riddle . While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution. // the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

Q: When is 'enigma' a more appropriate choice than 'puzzle'?

While in some cases nearly identical to puzzle , enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret. // his suicide remains an enigma

Q: Where would 'mystery' be a reasonable alternative to 'puzzle'?

Although the words mystery and puzzle have much in common, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation. // the mystery of the stone monoliths

Q: When would 'problem' be a good substitute for 'puzzle'?

While the synonyms problem and puzzle are close in meaning, problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern. // problems created by high technology

Q: When might 'riddle' be a better fit than 'puzzle'?

The meanings of riddle and puzzle largely overlap; however, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction. // the riddle of the reclusive pop star

puzzle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of puzzle next

as in mystery

something hard to understand or explain the final fate of the colonists at Roanoke remains a puzzle to this very day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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puzzle

2 of 2

verb

ˈpə-zəl

as in to baffle

to throw into a state of mental uncertainty it is the cause of the disease that puzzles doctors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun puzzle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of puzzle are enigma, mystery, problem, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When is enigma a more appropriate choice than puzzle?

While in some cases nearly identical to puzzle, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

Where would mystery be a reasonable alternative to puzzle?

Although the words mystery and puzzle have much in common, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

When would problem be a good substitute for puzzle?

While the synonyms problem and puzzle are close in meaning, problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

When might riddle be a better fit than puzzle?

The meanings of riddle and puzzle largely overlap; however, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of puzzle

Noun

Think puzzles, science experiments, and building sets. —

Cai Cramer, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024 My suggestion at the time was to have contestants have to win mini-challenges — like, say, solving a puzzle before all the sand poured out of a bottle rather than just picking right or left. —

Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

The fact that none of the animals are known to be infected with the virus has puzzled and concerned public health experts. —

Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024 Your journey to prosperity can be a complicated maze full of puzzling contradictions. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for puzzle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle

Noun

Mamet is essentially playing a variation on her character from The Flight Attendant: the steadfast and focused best friend who’s better equipped to solve the mystery than our heroine.

Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2024
What's New The and local police have launched an investigation after a number of mystery drones were spotted over White Settlement, a suburb of Fort Worth in Texas which houses a major naval base.

James Bickerton, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024