puzzle

[ˈpʌzl]

puzzle Definition

• 1. a game, toy, or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge
• 2. a person or thing that is difficult to understand or explain

Using puzzle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "puzzle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The puzzle was too difficult for me to solve.

• Example

  She spent hours working on the crossword puzzle.

• Example

  The mystery surrounding his disappearance has puzzled investigators for years.

puzzle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for puzzle

• enigma
• mystery
• problem
• conundrum
• riddle

Antonyms for puzzle

• solution
• answer

Idioms Using puzzle

• puzzled look

  a facial expression that shows confusion or uncertainty

  Example

  He gave her a puzzled look when she asked him the question.

• puzzle through

  to work through a difficult problem or situation

  Example

  We'll have to puzzle through this issue before we can move forward.

• puzzle palace

  a place or situation that is confusing or difficult to navigate

  Example

  The new job was a real puzzle palace at first, but I eventually figured it out.

Phrases with puzzle

• puzzle out

  to solve or understand something that is difficult or confusing

  Example

  I'm trying to puzzle out the answer to this riddle.

• puzzle over

  to think about something carefully in order to understand it

  Example

  He spent hours puzzling over the problem.

• puzzle piece

  a single part of a larger puzzle

  Example

  She carefully fit each puzzle piece into place.

Origins of puzzle

from Old French 'pusle', meaning 'bewilderment'

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Summary: puzzle in Brief

The term 'puzzle' [ˈpʌzl] refers to a game, toy, or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge. It also denotes a person or thing that is difficult to understand or explain, as in 'The mystery surrounding his disappearance has puzzled investigators for years.' 'Puzzle' extends into phrases like 'puzzle out,' and idioms like 'puzzle through,' denoting the process of solving a difficult problem or situation.