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Definition of Puzzle
1. Verb. Be a mystery or bewildering to. "The good news will puzzle her"; "This question really stuck me"
Specialized synonyms: Mix Up, Stump, Riddle, Elude, Escape
Generic synonyms: Bedevil, Befuddle, Confound, Confuse, Discombobulate, Fox, Fuddle, Throw
Derivative terms: Bafflement, Bewilderment, Mystery, Mystification, Mystification, Mystifier, Poser, Puzzlement, Puzzler, Stupefaction
Also: Puzzle Out, Puzzle Over
2. Noun. A particularly baffling problem that is said to have a correct solution. "That's a real puzzler"
Generic synonyms: Problem
Specialized synonyms: Sudoku, Acrostic, Word Square
Derivative terms: Mystify
3. Verb. Be uncertain about; think about without fully understanding or being able to decide. "Sam and Sue puzzle over the results of the experiment"; "We puzzled over her sudden departure"
Derivative terms: Puzzlement
4. Noun. A game that tests your ingenuity.
Generic synonyms: Game
Definition of Puzzle
1. n. Something which perplexes or embarrasses; especially, a toy or a problem contrived for testing ingenuity; also, something exhibiting marvelous skill in making.
2. v. t. To perplex; to confuse; to embarrass; to put to a stand; to nonplus.
3. v. i. To be bewildered, or perplexed.
Definition of Puzzle
1. Noun. Anything that is difficult to understand or make sense of. ¹
2. Noun. A game for one person that is more or less difficult to work out or complete. ¹
3. Noun. A crossword puzzle. ¹
4. Noun. A jigsaw puzzle. ¹
5. Noun. A riddle. ¹
6. Verb. (transitive) To perplex (someone). ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Puzzle
1. to cause uncertainty and indecision in [v -ZLED, -ZLING, -ZLES]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Puzzle
Literary usage of Puzzle
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Allen's Synonyms and Antonyms by Frederic Sturges Allen (1920)
"object timbre, qualification; see ODDITY. puzzle, n. ... perplex. puzzle, ei: grope.
puzzlement: perplexity. puzzle-headed: confused. ..."
2. St. Nicholas by Mary Mapes Dodge (1889)
"REPORT CONCERNING THE "KING'S MOVE puzzle." OUR thanks are due to six thousand
and seventy-two friends for prompt and hearty responses in competition fur ..."
3. The Writings of John Burroughs by John Burroughs (1913)
"IX THE ANIMAL AND THE puzzle-BOX I MUST beg my reader's indulgence in returning
to the ... They are drilled into forming new habits,—the puzzle-box habit, ..."