as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain
the conundrum of how an ancient people were able to build such massive structures without the benefit of today's knowledge and technology
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of conundrum
This cosmic conundrum could be explained by interactions between dark matter and neutrinos, which would impact the way cosmic structures like galaxies form and evolve.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
The actual premise of this series may feel less relatable on the surface to most, but the struggle to stretch a dollar like it’s made of industrial-use elastic is a conundrum many of us know all too well these days.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Despite its promise, there are challenges and ethical conundrums where AI advertising raises tough questions.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026
What better time to contemplate the conundrum that is zero than the start of a new year?
—Regina G. Barber, NPR, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conundrum
Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
The actual premise of this series may feel less relatable on the surface to most, but the struggle to stretch a dollar like it’s made of industrial-use elastic is a conundrum many of us know all too well these days.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Despite its promise, there are challenges and ethical conundrums where AI advertising raises tough questions.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026
What better time to contemplate the conundrum that is zero than the start of a new year?
—Regina G. Barber, NPR, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conundrum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conundrum
Noun
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In the leadup to its debut, the Apple TV/Sony Pictures Television show has been shrouded in secrecy — a decision that lends itself supremely well to a mystery-box sci-fi thriller that is equal parts philosophical conundrum and blood-chilling horror.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
8 Nov. 2025
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When the day of the follow-up scan finally arrived, the mystery was solved—not triplets, but twins.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Further enigmas can be found elsewhere on public lands, including within state parks, recreational areas, and more.—
Mike Bezemek,
Outside,
29 Oct. 2025
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Soho House has always existed as something of an enigma to me.—
Rachel DeSantis,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Conundrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conundrum. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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