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Definition of puzzlement

puzzlement

/ˈpʌz.əl.mənt/
puz · zle · ment
Adverb:puzzlingly
•
Plural:puzzlements
•
Adjective:puzzled
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puzzlement Lexical Profile

puzzlement Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A state of mental confusion, uncertainty, or inability to understand something.

Example

"She frowned in puzzlement as she tried to make sense of the contradictory instructions."

2

Something that is difficult to understand or explain; a baffling problem or mystery.

Example

"The sudden disappearance of the ancient civilization remains one of history's greatest puzzlements."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

puzzle
puzzled
puzzledly
puzzlement
puzzler
puzzling
puzzlingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century from the verb 'puzzle' (of uncertain origin, possibly from a frequentative form of 'pose' or 'oppose') combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ment'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Puzzlement. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/puzzlement
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