Synonyms of puzzlement

puzzlement

noun

ˈpə-zəl-mənt 

1

as in confusion

a state of mental uncertainty

her explanation did little to relieve his puzzlement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confusion
• fog
• bewilderment
• perplexity
• bafflement
• bemusement
• tangle
• befuddlement
• mystification
• discomfort
• dismay
• discombobulation
• head-scratching
• embarrassment
• distress
• bamboozlement
• confusedness
• maze
• distraction
• bewilderedness
• discomfiture
• mortification
• chagrin
• muddle
• whirl
• agitation
• upset
• commotion
• perturbation
• disquiet
• turmoil
• disturbance
• abashment
• flurry
• disconcertment
• fuss
• fluster
• bother
• dither
• stew

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conviction
• certainty
• confidence
• assurance
• certitude
• sureness
• positiveness

2

as in mystery

something hard to understand or explain

the whole situation remains a puzzlement to everyone who was there

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of puzzlement

To the puzzlement of Kelly and the other band members, though, that music rarely included Dead material, and at the start, Weir declined to recruit a lead guitarist to play similar parts to Garcia’s. — David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026

There is puzzlement on both sides. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026

And that’s led to understandable puzzlement and furious assumptions in reaction to ESPN’s report Tuesday citing four anonymous sources saying Belichick won’t be part of the Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 when it’s announced next week. — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2026

Even though Davis was six years older than Dončic at the time of the trade and had a more extensive injury history, Harrison defended his decision amid overwhelming backlash and puzzlement from Mavs fans as the deal rippled throughout the sport. — Christian Clark, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025