conundrum

noun

kə-ˈnən-drəm How to pronounce conundrum (audio)
Definition of conundrumnext
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

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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 The major conundrum designers face with modern explorer yachts is balancing function and form. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026 The obvious solution to this traveling conundrum was to charter a yacht, duh. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026 Will Lee, cornerback The Panthers have a cornerback conundrum. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026 Covering tight ends is a conundrum because the safeties (5-11 Dante Trader Jr, and 6-0 Michael Taaffe) are too short to defend big tight ends, such as 6-6 Mike Gesicki, who caught the game’s first TD against Jacob Rodriguez. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conundrum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conundrum
  1. mystery
  2. enigma
Noun
  • Twisted Teens’ most compelling quality might be the fact that their obvious reverence for rock’n’roll history still leaves plenty of room for mystery, and the intrigue deepens on The Holy Cross Tigers, the group’s third full-length of 2026.
    — Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Gone are the mystery boxes Menabóh started out with back in 2021, which peddled upcycled fashion alongside vintage pieces and unsold garments from other brands.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • The mechanism of this pattern recognition has remained an enigma, however.
    — Kristel Tjandra, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Christie behind the facade Christie remains the undisputed queen of crime 50 years after her death — and something of an enigma.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of enigma

Browse Nearby Words

contusions
conundrum
conundrums
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Cite this Entry

“Conundrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conundrum. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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