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 But when Ezra sparks a connection to a beautiful, enigmatic teacher named Hannah (Abbie Cornish), bonding with her son over his love of music, Sam becomes unreasonably jealous, leading to an inevitable clash between the trio. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 The Cost Of Creative Integrity Val Kilmer’s career was defined by an uncanny ability to embody a myriad of characters, a trait that set him apart from his contemporaries and positioned him as one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic talents. Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 These enigmatic paintings are inspired by Edvard Munch and William Blake: After Munch: Less is Known than People Think, 2023, and After Blake: Less is Known than People Think, 2024, in which astronomy, history and geography cross paths with spirituality, according to the artist. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Other notable roles for Chastain include playing astronaut Melissa Lewis in The Martian, the enigmatic Murph in Interstellar and real-life figure Molly Bloom in Molly’s Game. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
Adjective
  • Some people are already well aware of Norse Atlantic, despite the company’s somewhat mysterious profile.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • She's just been visited by a mysterious mate named Donnie, who claims to be a friend of Harry's.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This Georgia Rain style has a dark brown finish with distressing and burnishing for an antique appearance.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The bigger screen sizes each sit on two flat, narrow feet that are dark gray metal.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to ‘find the accountant,’ Wolff is compelled to solve the case.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the cryptic message, many fans figured out where to find the singer and showed up in droves, forcing Lorde to initially cancel her appearance.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the scene itself could be read as a little ambiguous, too: is Sammie trying to pierce the veil again, playing a song that could both foster community but also bring back the vampires?
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • As the days turned into weeks, the reality of her situation remained ambiguous.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Nutritionists By Brianna Peters In an era when nearly everything feels politicized and uncertain, these mystic tools offer something precious: a means of reconnecting with ourselves.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In the West, she’s been sanctified, but also portrayed as a sinner, a nun, a mystic, and Jesus’ wife.
    Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • From the outside, Didion seemed to be to be inscrutable, glamorous, insanely gifted and invulnerable.
    Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Jackson-Cohen, Keene, and Hyland look glamorous in their ’30s period outfits as director Sam Yates zooms in on their inscrutable faces.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Jared Weiss of The Athletic shared via X. Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson was quite vague when discussing the possibility of Garland suiting up for Game 4.
    Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • For now, the language in the president’s executive order was fairly vague.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Subtle minerality and a light floral touch on the nose give way to a peppery palate, finishing short but clean with faint cereal warmth and crisp simplicity.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Accountant 2, arriving this week some eight long years after the original, does not earn even that faintest of praise.
    A.A. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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