variants also enigmatical
1
2

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 Toni Collette plays the enigmatic woman who runs the joint, complete with oversize glasses, flowing hippie hair, and a bell that channels Weapons’s Aunt Gladys. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2025 The Chalmers research group has now provided a detailed account of a previously enigmatic phase of formamidinium lead iodide. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 For a planet already famous for its beauty and mysteries, Saturn just became even more enigmatic. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2025 Surrounding our solar system is a natural and enigmatic cosmic shield called the heliosphere — and a new mission has launched to help astronomers better understand it. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
Adjective
  • Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean at the height of summer, the erotic thriller follows Calvin Wells (Funk), a charismatic conman who sets his sights on Katrine Winters (Meadow Williams), a mysterious billionaire widow.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
  • For an event celebrating a dark and mysterious being, the vibe is surprisingly uplifting.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Smithsonian Institution, which includes all the Smithsonian museums, plans to go dark after Saturday if the government shutdown continues beyond then, according to its website.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Polselli brings a painterly gaze to scenes of quiet dread, such as a figure gradually appearing out of thick brush as two women make their way home through dark woods.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The cryptic video came after one of the ugliest stretches yet in Cardi and Minaj’s decade-long feud.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This cryptic species, first described in 2001, was among several mammals recorded by trail cameras set up by researchers.
    Real-Time News team, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Life is mysterious and ambiguous, and so the film to us, is a beautiful representation of that type of experience that is just not captured very often in movies.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
  • For over a century, the United States has coercively maintained the base against the wishes of the Cuban government, an arrangement prompting political and legal debates surrounding the territory’s ambiguous sovereignty.
    Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite some promising high-concept notions such as an intergalactic federation, mystic beings, parasitic species, a sentient interstellar craft, and Slipstream FTL quantum mechanics, seemingly inevitable creative differences arose as the show progressed.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In Completedworks’ spring 2026 presentation, the Texan actor and model took the stage as Miss Edie Grey, a television clairvoyant and mystic extraordinaire that can trace the history of objects with her magical touch.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When the children’s bus reached the checkpoint to enter Israel, a soldier told the teacher that Khaled was barred from entering, an inscrutable dictate of the authorities.
    Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Oddly, the end result is that Levy comes off as even more distant and inscrutable than William.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But those conditions are vague, and largely left to interpretation, Chris Mirasola, a professor of law at The University of Houston Law Center, tells TIME.
    Connor Greene, Time, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Fans reportedly emptied out of the stadium before halftime, and after the final whistle, the 73-year-old former NFL coach was left making vague promises that his team would somehow turn the corner.
    Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Amid the hangover of the 0-4 start, students shuffled out their dorms, lured by free food and faint promise of school spirit at the Rose Bowl.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Visitors report hearing faint voices and screams when inside the room.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on enigmatic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!