What Is Another Way to Say “Puzzle”?

Looking for synonyms for puzzle? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say puzzle.

  • Conundrum
  • Enigma
  • Riddle
  • Mystery
  • Brain teaser
  • Problem
  • Perplexity
  • Dilemma
  • Paradox
  • Quandary
  • Challenge
  • Cryptogram
  • Brainteaser
  • Poser
  • Puzzle

Want to learn how to say puzzle professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Conundrum

Used to describe a confusing and difficult problem or question.

  • Example: The sudden drop in sales presented a conundrum for the company’s management team.

2. Enigma

Refers to a person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.

  • Example: The reclusive inventor remained an enigma, rarely sharing insights into his creative process.

3. Riddle

A question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning.

  • Example: The detective considered the case a riddle, with clues that seemed to contradict each other.

4. Mystery

Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

  • Example: The ancient manuscript was a mystery, its language undeciphered by scholars.

5. Brain Teaser

A problem or puzzle, typically one designed for entertainment, that requires thought to solve.

  • Example: The interview included a brain teaser to assess the candidate’s problem-solving abilities.

6. Problem

A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.

  • Example: The environmental impact of the project posed a significant problem for the developers.

7. Perplexity

A state of confusion or puzzlement.

  • Example: The unexpected results of the experiment left the researchers in a state of perplexity.

8. Dilemma

A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.

  • Example: Faced with the dilemma of cutting costs or improving quality, the manager had to think carefully.

9. Paradox

A statement or proposition that, despite sound reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory.

  • Example: The paradox of thrift suggests that individual savings can lead to a decrease in aggregate demand, hurting the economy.

10. Quandary

A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.

  • Example: The legal team was in a quandary over how to proceed with the new regulations.

11. Challenge

A call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a duel.

  • Example: The new market entrants posed a significant challenge to the established companies.

12. Cryptogram

A text written in code.

  • Example: The spy sent a message in a cryptogram to avoid detection.

13. Brainteaser

Similar to a brain teaser, it is a form of puzzle that requires thought for its resolution.

  • Example: The team-building activity included several brainteasers to encourage creative thinking.

14. Poser

A question or problem that is puzzling or confusing.

  • Example: The sudden shift in consumer behavior was a real poser for analysts.

15. Puzzle

A game, toy, or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge.

  • Example: The archaeologist found a puzzle in the alignment of the ancient stones, hinting at astronomical knowledge.

Linda Brown