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 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
  1. mysterious
  2. dark
  3. cryptic
  4. ambiguous
  5. mystic
  6. inscrutable
  7. vague
  8. faint
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
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • With their golden yellow rays surrounding a dark cone, Rudbeckias are quintessential summer blooms.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
  • Related Stories All About Jalen Brunson's Parents, Sandra and Rick Brunson See Photos of Timothée Chalamet, Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal and More On May 16, Chalamet wore a Chrome Hearts tracksuit in a dark navy blue.
    — Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Before Tessitore and Barrett could finish arguing, the screen cut out to a cryptic promo from Uncle Howdy, who teased coming after the Tag Team Titles.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • On Thursday, May 29, the 20-year-old shared a cryptic message on Instagram Stories.
    — Catherine Santino, People.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of cryptic
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
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • The author also varies the texture of the book by inserting poems, quotations, dramatic dialogue, a veiled account of her unhappy days at boarding school, and a lengthy digression on the German mystic Friederike Hauffe, who claimed to be clairvoyant and to communicate with spirits.
    — James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
  • Further projects include psychological thriller The Olive Press, set in the mystic world of the Druze community in Mount Lebanon, from writer and director Samah El Kadi, and co-written by Nadim Chammas.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Definition of mystic
Adjective
  • Most people have a sense that legal principles and arguments are relatively inscrutable to the average Joe.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
  • Smartphones have already absorbed us in our screens, creating personalized information bubbles; omnipresent A.I. will only intensify that atomization while being more automated, more inscrutable, and more inescapable.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 28 May 2025
Definition of inscrutable
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
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Fortunately, telescopic technology has come a long way in the past 95 years, with deep surveys that can capture the passage of a faint object.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 30 May 2025
  • In Court Musk Announces His Exit From Trump Administration—What To Know The faint signal from navigation satellites is easy to jam.
    — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of faint

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enigmatic
enjoin
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“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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