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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of conundrum
What a conundrum to be the sort of host that loves bringing people together but also cares deeply for their things.
—
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026
And this conundrum was recognized early in the development of quantum theory.
—Tim Folger, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026
Senna, whose light satirical touch brought us 2024’s terrific Colored Television, is shrewd on the conundrums unique to parents of color moving around mostly white spaces.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
This is not an abstract conundrum for the NCAA.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conundrum
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026
And this conundrum was recognized early in the development of quantum theory.
—Tim Folger, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026
Senna, whose light satirical touch brought us 2024’s terrific Colored Television, is shrewd on the conundrums unique to parents of color moving around mostly white spaces.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
This is not an abstract conundrum for the NCAA.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for conundrum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conundrum
Noun
-
The mystery sound rose and fell over the course of one minute.—
Andrew Coletti,
Popular Science,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Reports of a mystery rocket seen launching from Cape Canaveral on Thursday could be another hypersonic missile test for the Department of Defense.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Considering the lack of quality quarterback prospects in this year’s draft, Simpson is the biggest enigma in this year’s draft.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The film, based on a true story that became a media sensation in the '80s, never renders a definitive judgment on von Bülow (who was acquitted in court), leaving him an indelible enigma that Irons teases but never tells.—
Devan Coggan,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conundrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conundrum. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
