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

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

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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

Example 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

For decades, developing effective treatments for autism has been a scientific puzzle. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Hawkins New York Cork Coasters (Set of 4) Shopping director Lori Keong’s playful puzzle coasters are at a discount. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

Shortstop Jeremy Peña’s puzzling decision not to attempt a throw home as the go-ahead run scored only exacerbated matters. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 As the days get shorter and cooler, a simple evening spent puzzling, snacking, and talking may be exactly the kind of gathering everyone needs. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for puzzle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzle

Noun

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is about to launch on an incredible adventure to help scientists explore the great mysteries of the universe.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Why the Central African Republic agreed to accept migrants from the US is still something of a mystery.

— Mick Krever, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of mystery

Verb

The scene never fails to baffle the senses as the path rises up about a thousand feet from the valley floor.

— Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
She is baffled by the way her friends Moe and Fumina rail against their parents, especially when Yuko is always holding back at home, forever walking on eggshells.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of baffle

Noun

Its findings could also unlock clues about dark energy and dark matter, and some of the universe’s biggest enigmas.

— Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
Rafa is a kind of enigma, an international sports figure who’s massively well liked and well known across the globe, but who has maintained an inner private life that is very authentically Spanish.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of enigma

Noun

Whether the brand promise of independence survives a business model built on agent territory sales is one of the next riddles for the housing market to solve.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
Compose a Riddle Leave them a riddle or brain teaser in their lunch box and challenge them to figure it out on their own.

— Sarah Scott, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of riddle

Verb

That’s a common sentiment from a touring superstar, but there’s a sense that Kahan really might be as happily bewildered as the rest of us about how songs this personal and cloudy came to captivate even sunny California.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.

— Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of bewilder

Browse Nearby Words

put up with

puzzle

puzzled

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Style

“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzle. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of puzzle

noun

verb

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