B2noun1K

Puzzle

UK /["/ˈpʌzl/"]/US /["/ˈpʌzl/"]/

Definition

a game, etc. that you have to think about carefully in order to answer it or do it

In simple words: A game or problem that requires thought to solve.

Examples

  • She spent hours trying to solve the complex jigsaw puzzle.
  • The crossword puzzle in the newspaper was especially difficult today.
  • The sudden disappearance of the artifact remains a puzzle for historians.
  • His behavior is a puzzle to everyone who knows him well.
  • The scientists encountered a puzzle when the experiment results were unexpected.
  • Completing the puzzle required patience and careful attention to detail.

Usage notes

This word can be used for both physical puzzles (like jigsaw puzzles) and mental challenges (like riddles). It's appropriate in casual conversation and writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'puzzled' face when you can't solve something, like putting pieces together.

Collocations

  • crossword
  • jigsaw
  • logic
  • complete
  • do
  • put together
  • book
  • game
  • piece
  • great
  • perplexing
  • scientific
  • crack
  • figure out
  • piece together
  • remain
  • puzzle about
  • puzzle of
  • a piece of the puzzle
  • the key to a puzzle
  • a piece in the puzzle
  • crossword
  • jigsaw
  • logic
  • complete
  • do
  • put together
  • book
  • game
  • piece

Synonyms

  • mystery

Antonyms

  • solution
  • answer

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'puzzling' which is the adjective form.
  • Using 'puzzle' as a verb incorrectly; it's primarily a noun.
  • Mispronouncing as 'pu-zal' instead of 'puh-zuhl'.