1
as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puzzlement
How Ward failed to deal with the bouncing ball as Gomes desperately lunged at it is another puzzlement.
—
Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement about what went wrong with her poll.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
After this initial puzzlement, I got used to switching to Edit view quickly.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
More:The puzzlement of Austin’s original city plan By 1860, buildings were increasingly being made of stone, brick or sawn boards.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
In recent interviews, Selzer expressed dismay and continuing puzzlement about what went wrong with her poll.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
After this initial puzzlement, I got used to switching to Edit view quickly.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
More:The puzzlement of Austin’s original city plan By 1860, buildings were increasingly being made of stone, brick or sawn boards.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for puzzlement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement
Noun
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The decision to spare EIS, at least for now, only adds to the confusion.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2025
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Given the confusion surrounding EOs, her remarks provide critical insight into their legal standing and potential impact on TCUs.—
Marybeth Gasman,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Read: The mystery writer S.A. Cosby made a list of his favorite tales of the human monsters who wait for us in the dark.—
Emmett Lindner,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2025
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But Conclave was so interesting and exciting in a completely different way — and fun, with a little mystery involved.—
The Hollywood Reporter,
The Hollywood Reporter,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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On Tuesday at 2:28 a.m. a dense fog advisory was issued by the NWS San Diego CA in effect until 9 a.m. for San Diego County Coastal Areas and Orange County Coastal.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Feb. 2025
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Because the fog sometimes turns out to be the actual transmitter of illumination—the clarity rising from within the confusions—any simple summary or attempt to distill objective lessons betrays his mind.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Soon, the Pentagon May Not (Exclusive) Thousands of miles away at USAID outposts around the globe, panic, betrayal and bewilderment pervade.—
Dawn Klavon,
People.com,
8 Feb. 2025
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After the initial fear, other emotions set in: shock, bewilderment and a nagging question.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA TODAY,
30 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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