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 An Australian schoolteacher journeys to Indonesia after ending her engagement, where a reunion with her first love and connection with his enigmatic best friend force her to choose between nostalgia and a new future. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025 Hank’s colleague, the enigmatic Alma (Julia Roberts), is subsequently caught between the two—the student who worships her, and one of her closest friends. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025 Nobody fully understands the enigmatic messages that K1 through K3 revealed. Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025 Who could this shy and enigmatic apex predator be? Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
Adjective
  • In a decadent Venetian hotel, androgynous Eva is drawn to the mysterious Contessa.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
  • When a mysterious prankster befalls the town of Middlesburg, 13-year-old Frances McCausland (Erin Chambers) gets blamed for the mischief.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Prince Harry wore a black blazer over a white T-shirt with dark pants.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Its legs are a similar pale yellow color covered with irregular black and dark-brown markings, according to Omelko.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Welch announced their album Everybody Scream back in August, following a few cryptic teasers.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This led many fans to believe that online discussions and interviews referencing his expiring contract were part of an elaborate storyline, given Kross's cryptic persona.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the institute statement, which remained ambiguous about the mosquito’s permanence, the insect probably arrived via freight transportation.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Perhaps its message is meant to be deliberately ambiguous—or maybe there’s no message at all.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Helena, meanwhile, was supposedly a mystic receiving directions from spiritual masters hidden in the Himalayas.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This was the danger Madison considered — that mystic memory would falsely elevate the Constitution.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As an artist, Lanthimos has been impossible to ignore over the last 15 or so years, whether his films garner Oscar attention (as in the case of Dogtooth, The Lobster, The Favourite, and Poor Things) or not (the more inscrutable Alps, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and Kinds of Kindness).
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But aside from hinting that there might be more gigs in the future, the reliably inscrutable singer did not fall for the bait of follow-up questions and left it at that.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Plot details are vague at this time, but Gilroy has said in interviews that the film revolves around a cellist.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Digging into the rumors, Snopes found several sources that may have contributed to the origin of the rumors, including social media posts and vague news headlines.
    Jennifer Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The team connected the device to a circuit board with an amplifier – to boost faint UVA signals – and a Bluetooth chip to send real-time data to a user's smartphone.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Supermoons can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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