Synonyms of puzzle

puzzle 1 of 2

noun

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

• mystery
• enigma
• riddle
• conundrum
• problem
• why
• secret
• puzzlement
• mystification
• closed book
• challenge
• head-scratcher
• matter
• brainteaser
• perplexity
• poser
• trouble
• stumper
• case
• knot

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

• baffle
• perplex
• confuse
• bewilder
• maze
• pose
• mystify
• muddle
• rattle
• fox
• vex
• befuddle
• flummox
• discombobulate
• bemuse
• confound
• bother
• gravel
• embarrass
• fluster
• fuddle
• addle
• buffalo
• bamboozle
• get
• disturb
• stun
• disorient
• muddy
• upset
• beat
• befog
• blow one's mind
• stick
• stump
• distress
• unsettle
• go to one's head
• disconcert
• nonplus
• trick
• discomfort
• weird out
• faze
• agitate
• disquiet
• hoax
• discomfit
• snow
• mortify
• deceive
• abash
• unhinge
• discountenance
• perturb
• dismay
• discompose
• fool
• chagrin
• gull
• humbug
• delude
• mislead
• string along
• dupe
• take in
• beguile
• hoodwink
• cozen
• misguide

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assure
• satisfy
• inform
• reassure
• enlighten

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

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

Recent Examples of puzzle

Noun

Packed neatly in the case, Alba uncovers hundreds of notebooks that recount Clara’s life over half a century, and offers her the missing puzzle pieces to her own fractured and confusing origin story. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

Mill Creek football coach Josh Lovelady says Caleb Downs’ rise from athletic high school freshman to first-round NFL draft pick was like a puzzle. —Jack Leo, AJC.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Verb

The mu- and nu-rings are especially puzzling. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026

The city’s handling of its project to improve Clairemont’s Olive Grove Park, which has been underway for nearly two years, has left the community puzzled. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Phrases Containing puzzle

• puzzle (out)