puzzlement

[ puhz-uhl-muhnt ]

/ ˈpʌz əl mənt /

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See synonyms for puzzlement on Thesaurus.com

noun

the state of being puzzled; perplexity.

something puzzling.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of puzzlement

First recorded in 1815–25; puzzle + -ment

Words nearby puzzlement

Puzo, puzzle, puzzle box, puzzleheaded, puzzle jug, puzzlement, puzzle out, puzzler, puzzling, puzzolana, PVA

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use puzzlement in a sentence

A common reaction to stories of athlete mental health struggles is puzzlement.
‘This Will 100% Save Somebody’s Life.’ Athletes See a Turning Point for Mental Health After Naomi Osaka Takes a Stand at the French Open|Sean Gregory|June 2, 2021|Time
Elation turned to puzzlement as six infected nuns who received infusions all died.
Infected Ebola Doctor Kent Brantly Is an Endangered Hero|Michael Daly|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The inappropriate gift to the queen, an iPod loaded with 40 show tunes, provoked puzzlement.
Stop the Anti-British Rhetoric, Obama|Andrew Neil|June 14, 2010|DAILY BEAST
In the aftermath, the euphoria of election night gave way to depression, anxiety, and genuine puzzlement.
My Sober Celebration With Nixon|Peter G. Peterson|June 12, 2009|DAILY BEAST

In his old age he became an ardent spiritualist, much to my surprise and puzzlement, and he died in that faith.
Thirty Years in Australia|Ada Cambridge
Scientists began giving serious consideration to the unusual phenomenon, pottering around in the pits, wearing airs of puzzlement.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science, November, 1930|Various
Much to the speaker's surprise, there followed an interval of silence, and his puzzlement showed in the knitting of his brows.
Within the Law|Marvin Dana
Mel knowed; a state of puzzlement or even a good mad's a mighty sight better than bein' all harrowed up and grief-stricken.
In the Arena|Booth Tarkington
I was looked upon with some doubt, and scanned from hurrying cars with puzzlement.
The Soul of John Brown|Stephen Graham

British Dictionary definitions for puzzlement

puzzlement

/ (ˈpʌzəlmənt) /

noun

the state or condition of being puzzled; perplexity

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

puzzlement

Origin of puzzlement

Words nearby puzzlement

Words related to puzzlement

How to use puzzlement in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for puzzlement