enigmatic

adjective

ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-tik How to pronounce enigmatic (audio)
variants also enigmatical
Definition of enigmaticnext
1
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
2
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

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 The enigmatic, spidery markings have appeared on memorial stones in Denmark, Sweden and Norway, mentioning a powerful Viking queen and even warning of a frigid climate crisis based on past events. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025 Hanks plays a death row prison guard who doesn't know what to make of a gentle but enigmatic giant (Duncan), convicted of murdering two girls, who exhibits strange abilities. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 In this latest installment, Hall portrays Zachary Beck, a wealthy and enigmatic rug importer harboring a dark secret. —Alison Weinflash, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025 But Hujar is an enigmatic figure and a biographical portrayal wasn’t exactly on the cards. —Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
  1. mysterious
  2. dark
  3. cryptic
  4. ambiguous
  5. mystic
  6. inscrutable
  7. vague
  8. faint
Adjective
  • Researchers in northern Denmark have unearthed evidence of a mysterious circle of wooden posts dating back 4,000 years.
    — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The Scholars, out May 2 on Matador Records, features at least a dozen distinct characters, in settings that include a mysterious university and a clown school.
    — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • But doctors have begun to suspect that this year's flu season—the most severe in over 15 years—has taken a yet darker turn for children.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025
  • An open-wide view is way more important than a dark sky.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Women possessed by the gods were oracles, predicting the future in cryptic utterances.
    — Vipin Bharathan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Escher String Quartet Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road, Storrs The Escher String Quartet, named for the cryptic artist M.C. Escher, performs pieces by Ravel, Mendelssohn and Mozart on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. $39, $37 seniors, free for students and youth.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • The film has proven divisive, though, with some audiences puzzled by its breakneck tonal shifts and ambiguous ending.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Trump has not commented on the military base plan specifically but delivered an ambiguous answer this week to a question regarding the use of private companies to assist with deportations.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Founded on the ethos of art as a form of mystic healing, the label reimagines the family heirloom—and invites its patrons to examine their relationship with objects.
    — Nia Shumake, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Healy Lake members have long considered their dogs to be mystic companions, according to Combs.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2024
Definition of mystic
Adjective
  • My personal favorites are the more inscrutable pieces like the Black Cat Tips mural on Charlotte Avenue.
    — Adam Tamburin, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Parthenope is inscrutable yet expressive, insolent yet heroic, magnetic yet unattainable, loving yet selfish.
    — Mike Miller, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Definition of inscrutable
Adjective
  • Asking about frustrations in a broad, theoretical sense is too vague to elicit actionable insights.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The reference is vague and does not signal any specific American commitment to safeguarding Ukraine’s security.
    — Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Any faint chance of heading the panel was decades away.
    — David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Mars will shrink, appearing as a faint reddish speck against the sky.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of faint

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“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of enigmatic for Spanish Speakers

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