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.