as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain how Thomas Jefferson could be both a slaveholder and a champion of liberty remains an enigma

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun enigma differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enigma are mystery, problem, puzzle, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When would mystery be a good substitute for enigma?

The words mystery and enigma can be used in similar contexts, but mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

When is it sensible to use problem instead of enigma?

In some situations, the words problem and enigma are roughly equivalent. However, problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

Where would puzzle be a reasonable alternative to enigma?

The words puzzle and enigma are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When is riddle a more appropriate choice than enigma?

The meanings of riddle and enigma largely overlap; however, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

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 enigma From its flag to its roads, the state strikes me as a curious blend of contrasts and quirks — perhaps simply an enigma I’ve never been motivated to solve. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2025 Except there’s a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, and coated in a puzzle. Irina Ivanova, Fortune, 13 July 2025 Chris Simon, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Connecticut, has been studying cicadas for 51 years and is still trying to understand how these small enigmas do just that. Sarah Henry, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025 But to understand the album is to understand the man — or more precisely, the enigma of the man. arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigma
mystery
Noun
  • Since her legal issues with Baldoni began, Lively starred in May's Another Simple Favor, a sequel to her 2018 mystery, also from Lionsgate.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The mystery was solved via coincidence and the outcome was deeply unsatisfying.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigma. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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