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 These enigmatic planets are called sub-Neptunes, which are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 An enigmatic Willem Dafoe appears on Corey Hawkins' doorstep with an unusual proposition in Entertainment Weekly's exclusive first look at The Man in My Basement. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 June 2025 Like Moore in Sirens, Kidman plays an enigmatic leader with a disturbing obsession with exerting control over her guests, who are made up of a buzzy ensemble cast. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 June 2025 In a quaint village nestled high in the Swiss alps, an enigmatic domed building towers above the sloped rooftops. Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
Adjective
  • The story in the graphic novel picks up 10 years after the events of the eponymous 1980 movie, as Joliet Jake disappears from prison under mysterious circumstances.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
  • All do so, apart from the titular madman, who has a mysterious reason to stay behind.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • White, pale blue, gray, and green swimsuits can be some of the hardest swimsuits to spot in a pool, while darker colors, like navy and black, can be difficult to detect in open water.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025
  • Named for the distinctive dark stripes running across the back of its head, this medium-sized goose is specially adapted for one of the most extreme migrations in the animal kingdom.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Gad teased work on the project in 2024 with a cryptic Instagram post that blocked out certain sections on the script’s cover page.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
  • This Instagram comment comes amid a series of cryptic social media posts shared by Bieber and growing concerns for him.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The inconsistency of the geographical settings goes hand in hand with the how their American protagonists are depicted as inept operators whose heroism is ambiguous Soon after his arrival in Saigon, Andrews mistakes an advertisement for a dubious massage parlor as a clue from a local contact.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
  • That’s negativity bias in action—the cognitive reflex to prioritize potential threats over neutral or positive cues, especially when the situation is ambiguous.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • This book contains the first English translation of the writings of af Klint, a Swedish painter and mystic.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
  • The author also varies the texture of the book by inserting poems, quotations, dramatic dialogue, a veiled account of her unhappy days at boarding school, and a lengthy digression on the German mystic Friederike Hauffe, who claimed to be clairvoyant and to communicate with spirits.
    James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Materialists is a swipe-right experience — elusive but not inscrutable, as well as enjoyably, delicately playful.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • Most people have a sense that legal principles and arguments are relatively inscrutable to the average Joe.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Burnout is no longer a vague emotional state but a measurable physiological response driven by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and cellular fatigue.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Many — most? — people have only a vague understanding of what the other is really up to.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • If that happens, a person may become confused and dizzy, and feel faint.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
  • The headband usually has to be readjusted ahead of the next wear, as the sound can be faint if the headphones are not perfectly positioned over the ears.
    Rebecca Taylor, Outside Online, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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