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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to penetrate
to spread throughout
the newspaper exposé revealed a gaming commission that is riddled with corruption
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of riddle
Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
This research reveals a new mechanism that solves a long-standing riddle – the stability of symbioses involving multiple unrelated partners.
—Guillaume Chomicki, The Conversation, 10 July 2025
ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
Arizona Democrats are riddled with political infighting after losing the presidential election in 2024, and soon the party will need to come together for midterm campaigns, including the re-election of Gov. Katie Hobbs.
—Amanda Luberto, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for riddle
Noun
The coffee shop riddle that has got people scratching their heads.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
This research reveals a new mechanism that solves a long-standing riddle – the stability of symbioses involving multiple unrelated partners.
—Guillaume Chomicki, The Conversation, 10 July 2025
Verb
Lawyers representing MyPillow and its CEO Mike Lindell were fined $6,000 after using artificial intelligence in a brief that was riddled with misquotes and citations to fictional cases.
—ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
Arizona Democrats are riddled with political infighting after losing the presidential election in 2024, and soon the party will need to come together for midterm campaigns, including the re-election of Gov. Katie Hobbs.
—Amanda Luberto, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for riddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riddle
Noun
-
Hulu has officially given a series order to Phony, a coming-of-age mystery comedy which sees the Friday Night Lights vet playing Ellen, a single mom to her teenage son Sonny (The White Lotus’ Sam Nivola).—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
7 Aug. 2025
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Directed by Susanne Bier, this fun mystery also stars Meghann Fahy (Sirens), Eve Hewson, Billy Howle, Sam Nivola, and Dakota Fanning.—
Dana Feldman,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
There is variability between firms; some can drill wells profitably with oil at $45.—
Matt Randolph,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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He was drilled in the seventh and scored the tying run on Matt Shaw’s sacrifice fly, then singled leading off the ninth before the fateful slide.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Larger particles create spaces for water to move through and oxygen to penetrate.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 2025
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But unlike their ocean cousins, these cells on freshwater jellyfish are too small to penetrate human skin and sting people, according to the Pennsylvania Sea Grant.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The research provides a unifying theory that helps explain so many of the puzzle pieces scientists have been trying to fit together for decades.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
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The first four episodes of Season 2 deal largely with Wednesday trying to solve these puzzles, though when she’s cut off from her psychic powers her sleuthing abilities take a major hit.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Sofia rests on ancient Roman ruins—its skyline pierced by golden Orthodox domes, leafy parks, and boulevards humming with espresso cafés and bookstalls.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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While slow, its sharp edges pierce deeply for its weight.—
Oliver Brandt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The results of her travels are mixed media paintings of seas and skies, suffused with layers of gold leaf that recall the unique vibes of the tropics (Booth A27).—
Daniella Walsh,
Oc Register,
28 July 2025
-
Eerie, twisty, and suffused with rich storytelling, this is a story about strong women and the men who seek to control them.—
Kalie Cassidy
July 25,
Literary Hub,
25 July 2025
Noun
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For that reason, scientists consider GRBs something of an enigma.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
29 July 2025
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The seventh planet from the Sun, it's been something of an enigma ever since it was discovered by the astronomer William Herschel in 1731.—
David Szondy
July 27,
New Atlas,
27 July 2025
Verb
-
California Governor Gavin Newsom is punching back at President Donald Trump — in memes and capital letters.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Miami’s first offensive drive of the Bears game was spoiled because of the team’s inability to punch the ball into the end zone on four goal line runs.—
Omar Kelly
August 15,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riddle. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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