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
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Recent Examples of conundrums
More cameras on the sky could help solve such cosmic conundrums.
—
Phil Plait, Scientific American, 12 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
Your questions and comments, as well as horticultural conundrums or successes, are always welcome.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
The seven episodes leading up to The Audacity's season finale have been crammed with enough questions, conflicts, and conundrums to fill Hypergnosis' infinite database.
—Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
Just yesterday, the USGA rolled out a pilot phase for Rules AI, aiming to spare golfers from the endless squabbles over sprinkler-head relief and the other rulebook conundrums that inevitably arise during a round.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
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, 22 Apr. 2026
There were too many injuries, too many different lineups, too many untimely freak plays and clutch conundrums.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
Phil Plait, Scientific American, 12 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
Your questions and comments, as well as horticultural conundrums or successes, are always welcome.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
The seven episodes leading up to The Audacity's season finale have been crammed with enough questions, conflicts, and conundrums to fill Hypergnosis' infinite database.
—Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
Just yesterday, the USGA rolled out a pilot phase for Rules AI, aiming to spare golfers from the endless squabbles over sprinkler-head relief and the other rulebook conundrums that inevitably arise during a round.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
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, 22 Apr. 2026
There were too many injuries, too many different lineups, too many untimely freak plays and clutch conundrums.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conundrums
Noun
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New York — One of the biggest mysteries of the global economy is why the oil market has remained so calm during one of the greatest supply shocks in history.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
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Solving the mysteries of Lewis’s art hasn’t been easy.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Bob Gray is one of the big enigmas in the book that are intentionally put there to create tension and are never solved.—
Scott Huver,
Deadline,
26 Apr. 2026
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Toss in plenty of brutal murders, bizarre prophecies, time-bending enigmas, and haunting hallucinations — all seemingly tied to Lucy’s mysterious meetings with the Hannibal Lecter-like Gideon Shepherd (Peter Capaldi) — and this one's well worth losing six hours of sleep over.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conundrums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conundrums. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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