ENIGMATIC Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

enigmatic

adjective

ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-tik

variants also enigmatical

Definition of enigmatic next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Information gleaned by the entourage of upcoming missions, will not only demystify Venus, Garvin said, but also present the gory details on chemistry, environments, fate of water, dynamics and human-scale landscapes on that enigmatic globe. —

Leonard David, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2025 As enigmatic as their work is, one thing’s for certain: They’re expected to perform their duties happily, respect the chain of command, and treat procedure like gospel. —

Diana Budds, Curbed, 24 Jan. 2025 The second season takes the series’ tense atmosphere and twisty storyline to the next level, with more enigmatic threats and a psychological game with devastating consequences. —

Isabella Wandermurem, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025 Iris, played by Heretic and Yellowjackets star Sophie Thatcher, is a gorgeous yet enigmatic young woman who looks something like Zooey Deschanel in her New Girl years but without her happy, slightly thoughtless enthusiasm for life. —

Tom Gliatto, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for enigmatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic

Adjective

Beyond mysterious Gathering new data about Venus is vital, Garvin pointed out, so that the next wave of exploration is grounded in what must be done first as scientists attempt to further reveal our sister world.

— Leonard David, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2025
That gusher of findings will include new observations of exoplanets—or planets orbiting other stars; new surveys of the structure of the Milky Way; and new studies of dark energy, the mysterious, invisible force that causes the universe to expand continuously at an ever-accelerating rate.

— Jeffrey Kluger/Greenbelt, TIME, 8 Feb. 2025