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

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.

And thanks to Chalamet grabbing a guitar and harmonica, the Bob Dylan movie is positively electric chronicling the enigmatic singer's early years in the 1960s. —

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024 The trope of the toxic drama teacher rears its head: David and Sarah’s enigmatic acting teacher, Mr. Kingsley, manipulates their emotions and desires in the name of art. —

Tajja Isen, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024 Chalamet uses the enigmatic silences Dylan is known for to hide the artist’s motivations. —

Scott Phillips, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 According to the study, these enigmatic structures could include entire galaxies, known as satellite galaxies, which orbit the larger galaxy containing the black hole and feed the quasar's insatiable appetite. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enigmatic