puzzlement — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The confusing state of being puzzled; bewilderment.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   wonderment

   Examples

   The puzzlement caused by the complex system led to great anger.

2. A puzzle; something baffling.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Or, larger mothers might have not necessarily more progeny but more fit ones, while smaller size might be an advantage to the males, allowing them to get around faster. Finally, for creatures that continue to grow, perhaps more of the females simply live longer, gaining in stature all the time. “'Tis a puzzlement.”

   The diary contains plenty of small puzzlements.

Noun

1. confusion resulting from failure to understand

   Synonyms

   bewildermentobfuscationbefuddlementmystificationbafflementbemusement

   Broader terms

   confusionmental confusionconfusednessmuddinessdisarray