variants also enigmatical
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word enigmatic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of enigmatic are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When could ambiguous be used to replace enigmatic?

In some situations, the words ambiguous and enigmatic are roughly equivalent. However, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When is cryptic a more appropriate choice than enigmatic?

The meanings of cryptic and enigmatic largely overlap; however, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

In what contexts can dark take the place of enigmatic?

While in some cases nearly identical to enigmatic, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

When can equivocal be used instead of enigmatic?

Although the words equivocal and enigmatic have much in common, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When would obscure be a good substitute for enigmatic?

The synonyms obscure and enigmatic are sometimes interchangeable, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

Where would vague be a reasonable alternative to enigmatic?

The words vague and enigmatic can be used in similar contexts, but vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

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 enigmatic Despite the projections of glamor across the new resort and images of an enigmatic leader touring wave pools and waterslides, experts expressed skepticism about the destination’s prospects. Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 26 June 2025 The young woman’s curiosity makes the man share with her the most important moments of his career, including the enigmatic reason that led him to retire 30 years ago. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025 Visitors can trek into the jungle to explore this enigmatic UNESCO World Heritage Site, stepping through ruins frozen in time. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 June 2025 This deeply personal documentary dives into the legacy of Counting Crows and their enigmatic lead singer Adam Duritz, not as a nostalgia play, but as a raw and revealing look at identity, artistry, and the fine line between performance and reality. Brent Lang, Variety, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
Adjective
  • The story in the graphic novel picks up 10 years after the events of the eponymous 1980 movie, as Joliet Jake disappears from prison under mysterious circumstances.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
  • All do so, apart from the titular madman, who has a mysterious reason to stay behind.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Executive Chef Graham House and Chef de Cuisine Graham House of Luminosa in Asheville, NC, recommend using a whole roast chicken, both dark and white meat, but placing half of it in the food processor before hand shredding the remaining bits for texture.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
  • Prioritize sleep quality: Creating a consistent bedtime routine and keeping your bedroom cool and dark may help improve sleep.
    Stella Bard, Health, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The cryptic introduction is a subtle nod to the bartenders that the patron is about to order one of four drinks from the Burning Blade secret menu.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
  • Alongside firsthand accounts from cops, journalists, and survivors, the series unpacks how fear spread through the streets, fueled by cryptic letters, a frenzied press, and a killer who seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once.
    Peter White, Deadline, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The inconsistency of the geographical settings goes hand in hand with the how their American protagonists are depicted as inept operators whose heroism is ambiguous Soon after his arrival in Saigon, Andrews mistakes an advertisement for a dubious massage parlor as a clue from a local contact.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
  • That’s negativity bias in action—the cognitive reflex to prioritize potential threats over neutral or positive cues, especially when the situation is ambiguous.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Something of a mystic, just like af Klint, Martin found meaning and structure in artistic practice and spiritual rigor.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
  • This book contains the first English translation of the writings of af Klint, a Swedish painter and mystic.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • But compromises like these might be unavoidable in an era of such inscrutable excess.
    Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 4 June 2025
  • Automatic bids would provide a layer of protection for the blue bloods from the whims of a committee that uses an inscrutable process.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • All of these legal tests, however, are quite vague.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 27 June 2025
  • Brooks said Act 372 was vague and imposed problems on librarians and bookstore owners trying to avoid prosecution.
    Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Use your mobile phone to scan the skies, as the camera is great at picking up faint auroras before your eyes spot them.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 June 2025
  • If that happens, a person may become confused and dizzy, and feel faint.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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