PUZZLEMENT Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

puzzlement

noun

ˈpə-zəl-mənt

Definition of puzzlement

as in confusion

a state of mental uncertainty her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 puzzlement And that’s led to understandable puzzlement and furious assumptions in reaction to ESPN’s report Tuesday citing four anonymous sources saying Belichick won’t be part of the Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 when it’s announced next week. — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2026 Even though Davis was six years older than Dončic at the time of the trade and had a more extensive injury history, Harrison defended his decision amid overwhelming backlash and puzzlement from Mavs fans as the deal rippled throughout the sport. — Christian Clark, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 Trump’s fondness for Putin has long been clear, and also a subject of much puzzlement. — Kim Lane Scheppele, Time, 6 Nov. 2025 His efforts are met with puzzlement by everyone but the children. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puzzlement

Recent Examples of Synonyms for puzzlement

Noun

The company, which offers credit cards used to make rent and mortgage payments, had fumbled a critical transition, leading to confusion and financial stress for its customers.

— Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
Aggregators typically disclose this information in their search filters, and knowing it in advance avoids confusion on arrival.

— Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of confusion

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

Noun

This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.

— Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Tech has crept into every facet of everyday life, like an invisible fog of ones and zeros.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of fog

Noun

After an exceptionally long pause, during which Affleck looked around the room in bewilderment, a drum roll signaled their victory.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026
Researchers who received the letter from AHRQ Director Roger Klein expressed bewilderment because much of their work has the same objectives that Klein highlighted as the agency’s current priorities.

— Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Definition of bewilderment

Browse Nearby Words

puzzled (out)

puzzlement

puzzlements

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Puzzlement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puzzlement. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of puzzlement

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes