stumpers
Real head-scratchers
Stumpers are questions or problems that leave someone unable to answer—things that stump you.
Quiz shows feature stumpers that contestants can't solve.
A stumper in conversation stops someone cold: That last riddle was a real stumper.
The word comes from the idea of being stopped short, as if hitting a tree stump.
Puzzles requiring creative thinking
- riddlesPuzzling questions or teasers
- conundrumsPerplexing difficult problems
- enigmasInexplicable mysteries
- puzzlesProblems designed to challenge
posers · teasers · head-scratchers · cryptograms · mysteries · challenges · quiz questions · trick questions
States of perplexing uncertainty
- predicamentsTroublesome situations requiring decisions
- puzzlesProblems designed to challenge
- conundrumsPerplexing difficult problems
- tough callsDifficult choices requiring judgment
hard choices · catch-22s · binds · fixes · pickles · jams · tight spots · no-win situations
Obstructions blocking forward movement
- barriersThings blocking access
- impedimentsThings that obstruct progress
- hurdlesFrames jumped in races
- snagsUnforeseen complications
setbacks · complications · hindrances · obstructions · bottlenecks · impasses · deadlocks · showstoppers
State of being baffled
- confusionMental disorientation or bewilderment
- perplexityMental state of confusion
- puzzlementState of being baffled
- flummoxedUtterly perplexed
mystified · nonplussed · befuddled · dumbfounded · stupefied · discombobulated · bamboozled · floored
Lane sport participants
- spinnersThings that rotate
- pacersSpeed regulators or walkers
- deliveriesGoods brought somewhere
- yorkersDeliveries pitched at batsman's feet
brain-teasers
Puzzles requiring creative thinking
- riddlesPuzzling questions or teasers
- conundrumsPerplexing difficult problems
- enigmasInexplicable mysteries
puzzles · posers · teasers · head-scratchers · cryptograms · mysteries · challenges · quiz questions · trick questions · lateral thinking
quandaries
States of perplexing uncertainty
- predicamentsTroublesome situations requiring decisions
- puzzlesProblems designed to challenge
- conundrumsPerplexing difficult problems
tough calls · hard choices · catch-22s · binds · fixes · pickles · jams · tight spots · no-win situations · impasses
roadblocks
Obstructions blocking forward movement
- barriersThings blocking access
- impedimentsThings that obstruct progress
- hurdlesFrames jumped in races
snags · setbacks · complications · hindrances · obstructions · bottlenecks · impasses · deadlocks · showstoppers · blockers
bewilderment
State of being baffled
- confusionMental disorientation or bewilderment
- perplexityMental state of confusion
- puzzlementState of being baffled
flummoxed · mystified · nonplussed · befuddled · dumbfounded · stupefied · discombobulated · bamboozled · floored · stymied
bowlers
Lane sport participants
- spinnersThings that rotate
- pacersSpeed regulators or walkers
- deliveriesGoods brought somewhere
yorkers · googlies · dismissals · wicketkeepers · appeals
- puzzlespuzzles, sudoku, jigsaw puzzle, puzzle cube, crossword
- mind bogglersriddles, paradoxes, logic puzzles, brain teasers, trick questions
- puzzlerspuzzle master, brainteasers, brain-teasers, conundrums, enigmas
stumpersgimmes
Effortless acquisitions
no-brainers · softballs · cinches · layups · walkovers
stumpersclarifiers
Things that explain further
aha moments · revelations · epiphanies · breakthroughs · illuminations