ENIGMATIC Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

enigmatic

adjective

ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-tik

variants also enigmatical

Definition of enigmatic next

as in mysterious

being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain the discovery of the abandoned ship in mid ocean remains one of the most enigmatic episodes in seafaring history

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dark

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 enigmatic Phillips created a screen persona for the famously enigmatic singer-songwriter by shining a light on his passions, dressing Chalamet in motorcycle jackets, skinny suits inspired by Dylan’s time with The Beatles and dark sunglasses to conceal his shyness. —

Samantha Conti, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025 Changing the title from the source material makes great use of Bob Dylan’s lyric to look at the early days of the legendary yet still enigmatic star. —

Lisa Rosen, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 Häagen-Dazs More News: Cowboys' Jerry Jones Set to Bring Back Mike McCarthy as Head Coach Häagen-Dazs, the premium ice cream brand with the pseudo-European name, has joined the Super Bowl ad club for the first time ever and dropped an enigmatic teaser featuring...a Chevy. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 Echevarría also had turns as the enigmatic British agent Raoul, who doubles as the manager of a Havana cigar factory, in the James Bond film Die Another Day (2002), and as Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna in John Lee Hancock’s The Alamo (2004). —

Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for enigmatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic

Adjective

Several years later, Hoffa disappeared under mysterious circumstances and was never seen again.

— David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
The groundbreaking find, the researchers claim, could reshape our understanding of the universe and its most powerful and mysterious signals.

— Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025