RIDDLE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'riddle' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of riddle are enigma , mystery , problem , and puzzle . While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction. // the riddle of the reclusive pop star

Q: When might 'enigma' be a better fit than 'riddle'?

While the synonyms enigma and riddle are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret. // his suicide remains an enigma

Q: When is 'mystery' a more appropriate choice than 'riddle'?

The words mystery and riddle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could 'problem' be used to replace 'riddle'?

The synonyms problem and riddle are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 'riddle'?

In some situations, the words puzzle and riddle are roughly equivalent. However, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution. // the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

riddle 1 of 2

noun

ˈri-dᵊl

Definition of riddle

as in mystery

something hard to understand or explain his motives for starting an argument with the coach were a complete riddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

riddle

2 of 2

verb

as in to drill

to make a hole or series of holes in several signs along the highway were riddled by buckshot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to penetrate

to spread throughout the newspaper exposé revealed a gaming commission that is riddled with corruption

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun riddle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of riddle are enigma, mystery, problem, and puzzle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

When might enigma be a better fit than riddle?

While the synonyms enigma and riddle are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When is mystery a more appropriate choice than riddle?

The words mystery and riddle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could problem be used to replace riddle?

The synonyms problem and riddle are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 riddle?

In some situations, the words puzzle and riddle are roughly equivalent. However, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

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 riddle

Noun

But for those without this context, the work becomes a kind of riddle or rebus. —Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 24 Mar. 2025 Understandably, the women try to solve the riddle while battling their own demons. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025

Verb

Atlanta's run of six consecutive National League East titles ended last year amid a season riddled with injuries to many of the team's best players, including reigning National League Most Valuable Player Ronald Acuña Jr. —Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 Besides criticizing Social Security, Musk and Trump have charged the program is riddled with fraud. —David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riddle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for riddle

Noun

What can be learned from this year’s acceptances—and what remains a mystery? Consider Statistical Comparisons, Not Individual Outliers Demanding classes, excellent grades and, for colleges that require them, outstanding test scores are a given at the most highly-selective colleges.

— Dr. Marlena Corcoran, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Cosmic rays may offer an out-of-this-world answer to a long-standing mystery about lightning on Earth, a new study suggests.

— Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025