enigmatic

adjective

enig·mat·ic ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-tik

also ˌē-(ˌ)nig-

variants or less commonly enigmatical

ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-ti-kəl

also ˌē-(ˌ)nig-

Synonyms of enigmatic next

: of, relating to, or resembling an enigma : mysterious

enigmatically

ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē

also ˌē-(ˌ)nig-

adverb

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The Origin of Enigmatic Isn't a Mystery

An enigma is a puzzle, a riddle, a mystery. The adjective enigmatic describes what is hard to solve or figure out. An enigmatic person is someone who is a bit mysterious to others. Behind an enigmatic smile are thoughts impossible to guess. The word enigma originally referred not to people or smiles but to words, and specifically to words that formed a riddle or a complicated metaphor that tested one's alertness and cleverness. This meaning is clearly connected to the word's origin. Enigma comes from the Greek word ainissesthai, meaning "to speak in riddles."

Choose the Right Synonym for enigmatic

obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable.

obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

Examples of enigmatic in a Sentence

Space seethes with an enormous enigmatic energy, and, each second, trillions of cubic light-years more of it materializes from nothingness. —

Bob Berman, Astronomy, November 2007

You'll recognize them by their enigmatic smile and faraway look as they jog, skate, commute, or wander the aisles of the supermarket. —

Consumer Reports, December 2005

Despite all that has been written—and surmised—about him, Bill Gates remains the enigmatic ringmaster of the digital circus. —

J. D. Reed, People, 15 Mar. 1999

the discovery of the abandoned ship in mid ocean remains one of the most enigmatic episodes in seafaring history the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

In this enigmatic world, 39 women and one young girl are kept in an underground room guarded by armed men. —

Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 While transiting this enigmatic area of your chart, opportunities for healing and spiritual growth in your relationships are near. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 How much of the story is hallucination and how much is real matters less than experiencing a journey both joyous and enigmatic. —

The Week Us, theweek, 15 Oct. 2024 On top of the rocket was Europa Clipper, a spacecraft about the size of a basketball court which is destined for one of Jupiter’s most enigmatic moons. —

David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enigmatic