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 At its heart, Labyrinth is the story of a teenage girl traversing an eerie, dream-like fantasy world on her quest to save her brother from the enigmatic Goblin King, Jareth, while embarking on her own coming-of-age journey. Logan Karlie september 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025 Then the house’s enigmatic tarot card influencer vanishes, and Dayna and another house member begin a social media campaign to find her – and gain some virality for themselves. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025 Dickinsonia is one of the most enigmatic critters of the Ediacara Fauna, resembling a sort of hybrid between a worm and a jellyfish. David Bressan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Reserved, enigmatic Yale philosophy professor Alma Imhoff (Roberts) appears to be one of the most popular personalities in her department. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
Adjective
  • In an effort to help the group retrieve it, Guy encounters William Fitchner’s Jasper, a mysterious American who has quietly assumed control and influence over the Talamasca’s London Motherhouse.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Released in 2004, the film follows Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, who finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Interestingly, Lorraine has taught Judy to ward off her frightening visions by using a nursery rhyme, effectively teaching her to suppress her dark side.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Dolphins wear white jerseys at home for afternoon games, forcing opponents to wear darker colors that absorb more heat.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These fish, known for their cryptic behavior, were identified as a neonative species, expanding their range naturally.
    Real-Time News team, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Ars reached out to Google for an explanation, receiving a cryptic and somewhat unsatisfying reply.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The first three episodes currently streaming on Paramount+ reveal that the Tiva dynamic remains as ambiguous as ever.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The term has become both expansive and ambiguous.
    Lauren Buitta, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Blanc’s real faith lies in the nearly mystic quality involved in seeing what the human animal is capable of.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Yeats’s spirals, once dismissed as the wild diagrams of a mystic, now settle over this place like soot.
    Alaa Alqaisi August 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That's depicted in a disturbing, if somewhat inscrutable, scene.
    Esther Zuckerman, Time, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The story’s inscrutable moments even take on a sort of beauty.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Allowing the President to unlawfully remove Governor Cook on unsubstantiated and vague allegations would endanger the stability of our financial system and undermine the rule of law.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But many of the recommendations were vague or lacked the teeth some experts hoped to see from a document MAHA allies for months had said would dramatically transform the health of Americans.
    Will McDuffie, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Applebee’s recently managed its first quarter of same-store sales growth after eight consecutive declines, a faint improvement, but one that pales in comparison to the surge at Chili’s or the steady gains at Olive Garden.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This leads to signals that are often faint, easily drowned out by background noise, and difficult to isolate in complex biological environments such as blood or tissue.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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