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Puzzler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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puzzler

[ˈpʌzlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

word game

A person who creates or solves puzzles, especially word puzzles.

Synonyms

crossword expert, puzzle enthusiast, puzzle solver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
puzzler

Someone who enjoys solving puzzles in general, it can refer to any type of puzzle-solving activities broadly.

  • She's a real puzzler, always carrying a Sudoku book in her bag.
  • This game is perfect for puzzlers of all ages.
puzzle enthusiast

Someone who has a strong interest in puzzles of various types, often dedicating a significant amount of their leisure time to solving them.

  • Being a puzzle enthusiast, he subscribes to multiple puzzle magazines.
  • You can always find a puzzle enthusiast eagerly working on the latest brain teasers.
puzzle solver

Someone engaged in the act of solving puzzles. This term emphasizes the activity rather than the passion or expertise.

  • The team of puzzle solvers cracked the code in record time.
  • Every night before bed, she becomes an avid puzzle solver.
crossword expert

Someone who is highly skilled in solving crossword puzzles, often able to solve them quickly and accurately.

  • He's a crossword expert, able to complete The New York Times Sunday crossword in less than an hour.
  • As a crossword expert, she often participates in national competitions.

Examples of usage

  • The newspaper's resident puzzler always comes up with challenging crosswords.
  • She is known as the ultimate puzzler among her friends.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A situation or person that is confusing or difficult to understand.

Synonyms

enigma, mystery, riddle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
puzzler

This is typically used for something that is confusing or challenging, usually in a more informal or playful context.

  • That new board game is a real puzzler! It took us hours to figure it out
mystery

This term is used to refer to something that cannot be easily explained or understood, and is commonly found in genres like detective stories or in describing things that are unknown.

  • The cause of the sudden illness was a complete mystery to the doctors
enigma

This word is often used in more formal or literary contexts to describe something or someone very mysterious and difficult to understand.

  • The origin of the ancient structure remains an enigma to archaeologists
riddle

This word is used for a type of question or statement that requires thought to answer or understand, often meant as a game or challenge.

  • Can you solve this riddle? What has keys but can't open locks?

Examples of usage

  • The new project turned out to be a real puzzler for the team.
  • Her behavior was a real puzzler to everyone around her.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Puzzles are featured in various popular TV shows and movies, stimulating both the characters and viewers to engage their problem-solving skills.
  • Books and magazines often include sections dedicated to brain teasers and riddles, aimed at attracting puzzlers of all ages.
  • The famous board game 'Clue' challenges players to act as puzzlers, piecing together clues to solve a mystery.

History

  • The first recorded crossword puzzle was published in the New York World newspaper in 1913, sparking a craze among puzzlers.
  • Puzzle competitions and events have been held since the 19th century, creating communities of enthusiasts who gather to share and solve challenges.
  • The Rubik's Cube, invented in 1974, became one of the most iconic puzzles and has attracted a vast following of puzzlers worldwide.

Psychology

  • Engaging with puzzles often boosts cognitive skills, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in people of all ages.
  • Puzzling activities can serve as a form of stress relief, allowing the mind to focus and redirect thoughts away from anxiety.
  • Being a puzzler is associated with traits like curiosity and persistence, as they enjoy the challenge of finding solutions.

Literature

  • Many classic literary works, such as 'The Da Vinci Code', revolve around puzzles and enigmas that characters must solve.
  • Poets and authors often use metaphors related to puzzles to convey complex ideas and themes in their writing.
  • The genre of mystery fiction thrives on the concept of the puzzler, as protagonists often piece together clues to unravel a plot.

Origin of 'puzzler'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'puzzler' has roots in the word 'puzzle', which comes from the late 16th-century French word 'pousser', meaning 'to confuse'.
  • Originally, 'puzzle' referred to both an activity and a state of being confused or perplexed.
  • The suffix '-er' indicates a person who performs an action, hence a 'puzzler' is someone who engages with puzzles.

The word 'puzzler' originated from the verb 'puzzle' which came from the Old French word 'pusillier' meaning 'to bewilder'. Over time, 'puzzle' evolved to refer to a perplexing problem or situation, leading to the creation of the noun 'puzzler' to describe a person who engages in or creates puzzles.

See also: puzzled, puzzledly, puzzlement, puzzling, puzzlingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,615, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.