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 In the final stretch, Dickinson shifts into a woozy state that clearly mirrors what’s going on in Mike’s head as visions of the enigmatic woman become more frequent, along with other, more unsettling fantasies that build to an emotionally resonant final image. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025 Brief eye contact and about a dozen words are all Abel and the enigmatic Anima (Jenna Ortega) need to establish a connection closer than garden-variety groupie-ism. Charles Bramesco, IndieWire, 15 May 2025 Archaeologists in Poland recently uncovered a centuries-old ring with enigmatic engravings. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025 Since emerging in 2016, the English prog-metal outfit Sleep Token have become one of rock’s most enigmatic success stories. Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
Adjective
  • Denim shifts toward a mysterious direction in Blooming Darkness.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 May 2025
  • Carlton Reid Based on 20 years of observations by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, new research sheds light on one of the solar system’s most mysterious planets.
    Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Blast off at Baltimore's science fiction convention, see natural beauty envisioned by artists from around the world, take a stroll after dark at the zoo, celebrate Baltimore creatives or go to a legendary concert.
    John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
  • His dark worldview is premised on the pessimistic presumption that the world will turn on the Jews if given the chance, which is why the Israeli leader has long prized hard power over diplomatic understandings.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Neither Henry nor Devers have been willing to detail that conversation until now, as Devers finally broke his silence on the discussion with a cryptic four-word message.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
  • Still, his message ended on a cheerful note that showed the musician seems to be taking the cryptic dismissal in stride.
    Glenn Rowley, Billboard, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • At first unsure, Ester allows the guy to touch her, and as a viewer the scene is ambiguous.
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • The camera flies out over the water, and neither Cecilie nor the audience gets a definitive answer, with the series coming to an ambiguous and unsettling end.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Among employees, he had been known as a deep thinker and even something of a mystic, regularly speaking in spiritual terms.
    Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
  • Lag BaOmer celebrates the anniversary of the passing of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
    Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • In some such cases, the motives of the killer are inscrutable or muddy; not so here, where the killer was open about his extreme racist views, including in a manifesto that largely parroted white supremacist hate on immigration.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
  • The figures in her paintings, whether men, women or children, tend to have the same unblinking, inscrutable expression.
    Deborah Solomon, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • This granular visibility transforms sustainability from a vague corporate initiative into precise, actionable intelligence, enabling manufacturers to make targeted improvements that collectively drive significant environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency.
    David Ly, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Therapists should be trained to help patients build grit and achieve goals, not just listen passively, offer vague reassurances, or affirm every feeling.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • This Week: May 19-25, 2025 As the moon continues to wane from being full last week, the night skies darken enough to find faint stars and constellations.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • It’s filled with no-nonsense retinol and has a faint medicinal smell.
    Mary Honkus, Glamour, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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