enigmatic

adjective

enig·​mat·​ic ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-tik How to pronounce enigmatic (audio)
 also  ˌē-(ˌ)nig-
variants or less commonly enigmatical
ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-ti-kəl How to pronounce enigmatic (audio)
 also  ˌē-(ˌ)nig-
: of, relating to, or resembling an enigma : mysterious
enigmatically
ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce enigmatic (audio)
 also  ˌē-(ˌ)nig-
adverb

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The Origin of Enigmatic Isn't a Mystery

An enigma is a puzzle, a riddle, a mystery. The adjective enigmatic describes what is hard to solve or figure out. An enigmatic person is someone who is a bit mysterious to others. Behind an enigmatic smile are thoughts impossible to guess. The word enigma originally referred not to people or smiles but to words, and specifically to words that formed a riddle or a complicated metaphor that tested one's alertness and cleverness. This meaning is clearly connected to the word's origin. Enigma comes from the Greek word ainissesthai, meaning "to speak in riddles."

Choose the Right Synonym for enigmatic

obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable.

obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

Examples of enigmatic in a Sentence

Space seethes with an enormous enigmatic energy, and, each second, trillions of cubic light-years more of it materializes from nothingness. Bob Berman, Astronomy, November 2007
You'll recognize them by their enigmatic smile and faraway look as they jog, skate, commute, or wander the aisles of the supermarket. Consumer Reports, December 2005
Despite all that has been written—and surmised—about him, Bill Gates remains the enigmatic ringmaster of the digital circus. J. D. Reed, People, 15 Mar. 1999
the discovery of the abandoned ship in mid ocean remains one of the most enigmatic episodes in seafaring history the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile
Recent Examples on the Web As the story unfolds, Wan uncovers a web of secrets surrounding Ching, her deceased mother, and the enigmatic Lo Chi-Fung, portrayed by Jasper Liu. Partner Content, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 Ricki Wilde, the odd duckling of a prosperous Black Atlanta family, goes north to open a florist in Harlem and meets the love of her life — an enigmatic musician who came of age in the 1920s — in a community garden. Carole V. Bell, NPR, 5 Mar. 2024 Though the marvellous Sanada exudes an enigmatic nobility, Toranaga’s refusal to confide in his advisers thwarts any real insight into—or investment in—his ascent. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 Photo-illustration: Charis Morgan; Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Bitcoin was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, an enigmatic figure about whom almost nothing is known. Joel Khalili, WIRED, 23 Feb. 2024 This injury had taken a toll on his morale, following the enigmatic events that occurred a few hours before the 1998 World Cup final against France. Assile Toufaily, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 This film is a product of my fascination with an enigmatic feeling that is trust. Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Feb. 2024 All proceeds will also go towards the healthcare for Bad Brains’ enigmatic frontman H.R., who suffers from an excruciating type of rare headache known as SUNCT. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2024 One hypothesis that could explain Venus’ enigmatic spin is that a planetary-sized object slammed into proto-Venus and reversed the whirl. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enigmatic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see enigma

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enigmatic was in 1609

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Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enigmatic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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