Thesaurus results for ENIGMA

Q: How does the noun 'enigma' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enigma are mystery , problem , puzzle , and riddle . While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret. // his suicide remains an enigma

Q: When would 'mystery' be a good substitute for 'enigma'?

The words mystery and enigma can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'problem' instead of 'enigma'?

In some situations, the words problem and enigma are roughly equivalent. However, problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern. // problems created by high technology

Q: Where would 'puzzle' be a reasonable alternative to 'enigma'?

The words puzzle and enigma are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution. // the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

Q: When is 'riddle' a more appropriate choice than 'enigma'?

The meanings of riddle and enigma largely overlap; however, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction. // the riddle of the reclusive pop star

enigma

noun

i-ˈnig-mə

Definition of enigma next

as in mystery

something hard to understand or explain how Thomas Jefferson could be both a slaveholder and a champion of liberty remains an enigma

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun enigma differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of enigma are mystery, problem, puzzle, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When would mystery be a good substitute for enigma?

The words mystery and enigma can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use problem instead of enigma?

In some situations, the words problem and enigma are roughly equivalent. However, 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 enigma?

The words puzzle and enigma are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When is riddle a more appropriate choice than enigma?

The meanings of riddle and enigma largely overlap; however, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

Examples 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 enigma This event has everything: insane European names, mean-girl allegations, and, through it all, beautiful enigma Apple Martin enjoying her rich, wealthy life. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2024 The composer’s later works, rife with ironies, ambiguities, and enigmas, disturbed the image of a Soviet true believer. —

Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024 Aside from head coach Kenny Dillingham's supernatural vitality and passion, the rest of team was a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, to borrow from Winston Churchill. —

Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 16 Sep. 2024 Instead, the series prefers to regularly introduce additional enigmas into its central town that somehow keeps drawing in new residents despite being a nightmarish place that might be a parallel dimension, a pocket universe, purgatory, or even hell. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enigma