as in mysteries
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 conundrums
The limitations can turn even common ailments — such as toothaches or ear pain — into difficult medical conundrums.
—
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Your questions and comments as well as gardening conundrums and successes are always welcome.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Mims’ usage remains one of the biggest conundrums surrounding Denver’s offense.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Despite its promise, there are challenges and ethical conundrums where AI advertising raises tough questions.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026
By posing real-life examples of conundrums faced by traders, Fibonacci brought maths to life.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
This year’s shortlist recognizes five thrilling authors, whose books all navigate uniquely American conundrums.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Tune in for short episodes every Wednesday and Saturday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Your questions and comments as well as gardening conundrums and successes are always welcome.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Mims’ usage remains one of the biggest conundrums surrounding Denver’s offense.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Despite its promise, there are challenges and ethical conundrums where AI advertising raises tough questions.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026
By posing real-life examples of conundrums faced by traders, Fibonacci brought maths to life.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
This year’s shortlist recognizes five thrilling authors, whose books all navigate uniquely American conundrums.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Tune in for short episodes every Wednesday and Saturday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conundrums
Noun
-
In truth, the mysteries and compromises of mapping New York are evident every day.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
4 Jan. 2026
-
The gang was younger, the mysteries were smaller, and everything felt lighter.—
Alex Shoemaker,
Parents,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Their sudden exit from the fossil record has remained one of anthropology’s most enduring enigmas, until now.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Dec. 2025
-
Further enigmas can be found elsewhere on public lands, including within state parks, recreational areas, and more.—
Mike Bezemek,
Outside,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Conundrums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conundrums. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
