Synonyms of riddle

riddle 1 of 2

noun

ˈri-dᵊl 

as in mystery

something hard to understand or explain

his motives for starting an argument with the coach were a complete riddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mystery
• puzzle
• enigma
• conundrum
• why
• secret
• problem
• mystification
• puzzlement
• closed book
• head-scratcher
• challenge
• matter
• perplexity
• brainteaser
• poser
• stumper
• trouble
• case
• knot

riddle

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to drill

to make a hole or series of holes in

several signs along the highway were riddled by buckshot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drill
• pierce
• punch
• hole
• bore
• puncture
• poke
• perforate
• tap
• cut
• penetrate
• broach
• hollow
• break
• excavate
• split
• prick
• slash
• slit
• burrow (into)
• rend
• rupture
• prickle
• gouge
• groove
• notch
• gash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fill
• patch
• seal
• plug

2

as in to penetrate

to spread throughout

the newspaper exposé revealed a gaming commission that is riddled with corruption

Synonyms & Similar Words

• penetrate
• suffuse
• pervade
• permeate
• flood
• pass (into)
• percolate (into)
• interpenetrate
• diffuse (through)
• fill (up)
• impregnate
• transfuse
• steep
• soak
• infuse
• saturate
• imbue
• glut
• drench

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun riddle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of riddle are enigma, mystery, problem, and puzzle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

When might enigma be a better fit than riddle?

While the synonyms enigma and riddle are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When is mystery a more appropriate choice than riddle?

The words mystery and riddle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

When could problem be used to replace riddle?

The synonyms problem and riddle are sometimes interchangeable, but problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

Where would puzzle be a reasonable alternative to riddle?

In some situations, the words puzzle and riddle are roughly equivalent. However, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of riddle

Noun

Like all myths, that of Medusa plays upon the riddle of origins. — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026

How Tony would regard the film is a riddle that answers and negates itself, like his tattoo of a snake eating its own tail. — Laurie Woolever, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026

Verb

There were respected former Metro homicide detectives Brent Becker and Dan Long, both gone gray, who had carried the burden of the unsolved murder, one riddled with conflicted characters on all sides. — John L. Smith, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026

Wild sage and scrubby junipers riddle the sand, boulders punctuate the foothills and draws, and the impressive ridgelines of the Sierra Eastside tower over it all, seemingly close enough to splash with the flick of a finger. — Brian Laidlaw, Longreads, 1 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing riddle

• riddle (out)

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