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 Each act unfolds over a season, and each season brings with it a devilish new conundrum. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Then there's the conundrum of non-technological intelligent life in the universe. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 27 July 2026 The Devil and The Lovers pose conundrums about being a woman in the 1960s, which had a direct impact on Plath’s emotional landscape. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 This season of The Real Housewives of London presents a sort of conundrum for me. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for conundrum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conundrum
  1. mystery
  2. enigma
Noun
  • The two started off as enemies as Judy joined the Zootopia Police Department, but then put aside their differences to solve a mystery in the animal city.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Magic super-rings that can transform thoughts into solid green objects in order to fight crime and solve mysteries.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • Russell Westbrook was an NBA enigma, right up to the very end.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On top of that, Perel said, the kinds of communities and rituals people traditionally relied on when facing enigma and loss aren’t so common anymore.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of enigma

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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 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conundrum

Nglish: Translation of conundrum for Spanish Speakers

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