Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

puzzlement

American  
[puhz-uhl-muhnt] / ˈpʌz əl mənt /

noun

  1. the state of being puzzled; perplexity.

  2. something puzzling. puzzling.


ˈpuzzlement British  
/ ˈpʌzəlmənt /

noun

  1. 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

Etymology

Origin of puzzlement

First recorded in 1815–25; puzzle + -ment

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Social media responded to the warning with puzzlement: “I get it. It was like 49 degrees and sunny this morning. It’s tough in these streets.”

From Los Angeles Times

They walked on and on, turning corner after corner, in increasing puzzlement.

From Literature

It’s time to turn your puzzlement and distress into legal action.

From MarketWatch

Sensing the little creature's genuine puzzlement, Jeremy's feelings shifted from awe to protectiveness.

From Literature

The couple noticed the mystery wedding crasher only when they received photos of their big day – a tall man in a dark suit, with a noticeable look of puzzlement on his face.

From BBC