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 Majeranowski described the challenge as a classic chicken-and-egg conundrum. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026 The conundrum of ‘weighting’ Beyond the challenges from prediction markets, pollsters confront the stubborn problem of low response rates. — W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026 The pantry, Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center, recognized the men’s conundrum. — Claire Galofaro, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 This conundrum has led to the rise of Coast FI (short for Coast Financial Independence). — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conundrum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conundrum
  1. mystery
  2. enigma
Noun
  • The Sox’s pitching plans are a daily mystery, and worries over Grant Taylor’s right arm falling off have become nightly debates in South Side bars.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of mystery
Noun
  • Why resveratrol can have such varying effects has remained a scientific enigma.
    — Sajish Mathew, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026
  • PBHs could help resolve other enigmas, too, for instance by acting as seeds for the rapid growth of supermassive black holes in the early universe.
    — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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