What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
labyrinth
Example
The hedge maze was a labyrinth of twists and turns. [labyrinth: noun]
Example
Navigating the bureaucracy of the government can feel like a labyrinth. [labyrinth: noun]
Example
The winding streets of the old city formed a labyrinthine network. [labyrinthine: adjective]
puzzle
Example
I enjoy doing crossword puzzles in my free time. [puzzle: noun]
Example
The detectives were trying to solve the puzzle of the missing diamond. [puzzle: noun]
Example
The strange behavior of the suspect was a puzzle to the investigators. [puzzle: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Puzzle is a more common word than labyrinth in everyday language. Puzzle is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from games to mysteries to abstract concepts. Labyrinth, on the other hand, is less common and is more likely to be used in specific contexts, such as describing a physical maze or a complex situation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between labyrinth and puzzle?
Both labyrinth and puzzle can be used in formal and informal contexts, but labyrinth may have a more formal or literary tone due to its historical and mythological associations.
