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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Synonym Chooser

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 And spending his entire NHL career in a relatively low-profile media market with the Carolina Hurricanes also helps preserve his enigma status. Carol Schram, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 The new research resolves a two-decade-long enigma relating to a bright flash that was observed coming from the magnetar SGR 1806-20—which lies some 42,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Sagittarius—back in late 2004. Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 Just like the woman herself, Melania Trump’s wedding dress is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025 Fast forward to 2025: Barron Trump will turn 19 on Thursday, a 6-foot-7 enigma who’s treated by admirers as a MAGA crown prince. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigma
mystery
Noun
  • Ray is an enigma and a mystery, a man who zips into town on a motorbike like a phantom and could just as easily evaporate at any minute.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 18 May 2025
  • The identity of the man in the photo remained a mystery to the outside world until USA TODAY sought clarification from federal officials.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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