variants also enigmatical
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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 An enigmatic victim In life, Guerrero De Aguasvivas flashed a smile when surrounded by loved ones, celebrating birthdays and enjoying days out on the beach, according to video montages posted on her social media accounts. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 But the fragments pose new mysteries as well, including riddles contained in the enigmatic runic markings, which are proving difficult to translate, as well as surprising clues as to the identities of the carvers themselves. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025 Each in his way stands as an enigmatic avatar of middlebrow, midcentury, Manhattan-centric American culture. A.o. Scott, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025 Despite its enigmatic nature, Rafflesia species have long been used for medicinal purposes by Indigenous Peoples and, more recently, as a source of revenue generated by ecotourism. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
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
Adjective
  • Boat Rocker’s slate currently comprises the likes of 1980s throwback dark comedy Video Nasty, drama series Mix Tape and Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber’s Sundance 2024 doc War Game.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The outage was random and intermittent, lasting for 45 minutes at a time, then resuming only to go dark again for another 45 minutes.
    John Brandon, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
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
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
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
Adjective
  • Courtenay Brown Mar 6, 2025 - Business Trump stares down early economic potholes Buy your local economist a drink: The economic backdrop is more chaotic and uncertain than it's been in years — a result of fast-moving and sometimes vague Trump policy.
    Axios, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Having lost an extra 30 minutes in the meeting above, another manager speeds through a document review, providing only vague feedback to her direct report.
    Shani Harmon, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Mars will shrink, appearing as a faint reddish speck against the sky.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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