puzzling

[puhz-ling]

adjective

1. confusing or baffling.

   a puzzling answer.

noun

1. the skill or pastime of constructing or working crossword or other puzzles.

Other Word Forms

• puzzlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of puzzling¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; puzzle + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Dickinson injects some puzzling, dreamy passages throughout “Urchin,” suggesting dark moments from Mike’s past or troubled psyche.

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When consistent execution at the plate looked like a puzzlingly difficult task.

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The boss of Age Scotland has said she is concerned that the NHS criteria for vaccinating people against flu and Covid is "puzzling".

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In the clubhouse, players began voicing similar observations after particularly puzzling offensive performances in recent weeks.

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The criticism began as soon as the film's trailer was shared, with many puzzling over Sundari seemingly mispronouncing her own name.

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Related Words

• ambiguous 
• baffling 
• bewildering 
• difficult 
• incomprehensible 
• inexplicable 
• mystifying www.thesaurus.com
• obscure 
• perplexing 
• surprising 
• unclear 
• unfathomable