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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Recent Examples of conundrum
The question of who did, and who decided, what in the Biden Administration is not a conundrum that the former First Lady seems ready to help resolve.
—
Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
The regulation of our environment; the presence of chemicals both intentionally and unwittingly in our food, water, air, and land; the ecological fate of all living creatures, and of the earth itself—all these dilemmas and conundrums find urgent expression in Carson’s work.
—Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
The design is done, restive partners are onboard, technical conundrums have been resolved, and the check just might be in the mail.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026
There’s no sartorial conundrum quite like getting dressed up during the summer.
—InStyle, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for conundrum
Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
The regulation of our environment; the presence of chemicals both intentionally and unwittingly in our food, water, air, and land; the ecological fate of all living creatures, and of the earth itself—all these dilemmas and conundrums find urgent expression in Carson’s work.
—Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
The design is done, restive partners are onboard, technical conundrums have been resolved, and the check just might be in the mail.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026
There’s no sartorial conundrum quite like getting dressed up during the summer.
—InStyle, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for conundrum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conundrum
Noun
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There is also the mystery around the captivity of Otto Hightower, Alicent’s father.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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For those who prefer fiction to nonfiction, mysteries edge out science fiction and fantasy as the most popular genre overall, and they are favored by both women and readers who read the most books per year (though men are more likely to pick up sci-fi and fantasy).—
Fred Backus,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
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Senga has been an enigma for the Mets over the last few years.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2026
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Tucker, just 29, has been a complete enigma since signing a four-year, $240 million free-agent contract with the Dodgers this offseason.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conundrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conundrum. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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