puzzled; puzzling
ˈpə-zə-liŋ
ˈpəz-liŋ
1
: to offer or represent to (someone) a problem difficult to solve or a situation difficult to resolve : challenge mentally
also
: to exert (oneself, one's mind, etc.) over such a problem or situation
they puzzled their wits to find a solution
2
archaic
: complicate, entangle
3
: to solve with difficulty or ingenuity
puzzle out an answer to a riddle
1
: to be uncertain as to action or choice
2
: to attempt a solution of a puzzle by guesswork or experiment
puzzle over the mystery
1
: the state of being puzzled : perplexity
2
a
: something that is difficult to solve, resolve, or understand : something that puzzles
At the time, the nature of insect flight was still quite a puzzle …—James Gorman
b
: something (such as a game or test) that is designed to be challenging to answer or solve
a crossword puzzle
a logic puzzle
see also jigsaw puzzle
Cite this Entry
“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puzzle. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
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