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 Dark matter is an enigmatic substance that shapes the cosmos, while dark energy is a force that accelerates the expansion rate of the universe, according to NASA. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 June 2025 Or, is this high-profile loss, and others of recent vintage, for the middle lane of the Democratic Party due more to poor centrist standard-bearers (and enigmatic extremists) rather than the actual political positions themselves? The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025 Outside of the players, the series did leave several survivors, including the game’s enigmatic overseer, The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who ended his time on the series by tracking down Gi-hun’s estranged daughter, Ga-yeong (Jo Ah-in), in Los Angeles. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025 Teaming up with Rebels like the enigmatic Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and the sarcastic droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), Jyn’s quest for salvation and redemption runs right up to the beginning of the original film, Star Wars: A New Hope. Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
Adjective
  • In The Old Guard 2, following on from the climax of the first film, Andy must come to terms with her newfound mortality while preparing to face a mysterious foe (played by Uma Thurman).
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Michigan is home to six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks and an international dark sky sanctuary.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
  • Look for bronze or dark spots on the foliage or prominent purple veins.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • On Thursday, Bloom shared a series of cryptic quotes from Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung on Instagram.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • The team also discovered two more new species: the cryptic Namib day gecko and the miniature Namib day gecko.
    Aspen Pflughoeft July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • These beers had previously been included within larger, more ambiguous lager categories for the Great American Beer Festival competition, but the Brewers Association says the uniqueness and growing popularity of these styles warrants individual guideline recognition.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Tipping for other services may be more ambiguous and recommended as a dollar amount instead, like $10 per hour or $5 per bag carried or shuttle driven.
    Katie Kelton, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Further projects include psychological thriller The Olive Press, set in the mystic world of the Druze community in Mount Lebanon, from writer and director Samah El Kadi, and co-written by Nadim Chammas.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • For now, this volcanic orb remains maddeningly inscrutable.
    Robin Andrews, Wired News, 15 June 2025
  • People generally think of him as a sort of kind of inscrutable guy.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Stories come to life only through concrete, sensory details, but my father only spoke in vague and abstract terms.
    Margot Singer July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • Though vague, Galvin said case law suggests reasonable means that the rules are consistent with the culture and character of the type of community.
    Nora O’Neill July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • That memory, faint but enduring, was set in the downstairs den of their home.
    Ajdina Halilovic, Wired News, 6 July 2025
  • The Milky Way appears as a faint, hazy band stretching across the sky, almost like a cloud made of stars.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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