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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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 Much like the disappearances of Amelia Earhart or Jimmy Hoffa, the enigma of Mallory and Irvine has ballooned over the decades, at times drowning out contemporary accolades on the peak. —

Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 11 Oct. 2024 Perhaps a strategic loosening of novelistic form was what Hollinghurst was going for, in an effort to capture the enigma of the recollected past. —

Giles Harvey, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 This central enigma informs the other, manifold ambiguities of Pia Marais‘s intriguing environmental fable — in which religious mission work and industrial deforestation both pose threats to Indigenous identity. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Aug. 2024 The fourth largest of Jupiter’s 95 moons, Europa is an icy celestial body teeming with enigma and intrigue. —

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enigma