Synonyms of riddle

riddle 1 of 2

noun

ˈri-dᵊl 

as in mystery

something hard to understand or explain

his motives for starting an argument with the coach were a complete riddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mystery
• puzzle
• enigma
• conundrum
• why
• secret
• problem
• mystification
• puzzlement
• closed book
• head-scratcher
• challenge
• matter
• perplexity
• brainteaser
• poser
• stumper
• trouble
• case
• knot

riddle

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to drill

to make a hole or series of holes in

several signs along the highway were riddled by buckshot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drill
• pierce
• punch
• hole
• bore
• puncture
• poke
• perforate
• tap
• cut
• penetrate
• broach
• hollow
• break
• excavate
• split
• prick
• slash
• slit
• burrow (into)
• rend
• rupture
• prickle
• gouge
• groove
• notch
• gash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fill
• patch
• seal
• plug

2

as in to penetrate

to spread throughout

the newspaper exposé revealed a gaming commission that is riddled with corruption

Synonyms & Similar Words

• penetrate
• suffuse
• pervade
• permeate
• flood
• pass (into)
• percolate (into)
• interpenetrate
• diffuse (through)
• fill (up)
• impregnate
• transfuse
• steep
• soak
• infuse
• saturate
• imbue
• glut
• drench

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun riddle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of riddle are enigma, mystery, problem, and puzzle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

When might enigma be a better fit than riddle?

While the synonyms enigma and riddle are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When is mystery a more appropriate choice than riddle?

The words mystery and riddle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

When could problem be used to replace riddle?

The synonyms problem and riddle are sometimes interchangeable, but problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

Where would puzzle be a reasonable alternative to riddle?

In some situations, the words puzzle and riddle are roughly equivalent. However, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of riddle

Noun

How Tony would regard the film is a riddle that answers and negates itself, like his tattoo of a snake eating its own tail. — Laurie Woolever, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026

Early in the offseason, Johnson scratched his head at the riddle. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Verb

Large gaps riddle the kitchen where cabinetry and appliances once sat. — Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 31 Aug. 2026

But even that case was riddled with conspiracy theories, including one that accused Simpson’s son Jason of killing his stepmom and her friend. — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing riddle

• riddle (out)

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