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 next

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

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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

Here’s the riddle: This thing all things devours; Birds, beasts, trees, flowers; Gnaws iron, bites steel; Grinds hard stones to meal; Slays king, ruins town, And beats mountain down. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 The riddle has stumped scholars for over a century, and as a result, little is known about its authors. —

The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 3 Feb. 2025

Verb

Jimmy also — sweetly — tests out the air-tightness of Juliette’s excursion suit after his father’s suit turns out to be riddled with holes. —

Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025 However, in less than ten years, despite raking in millions, Turkey Leg Hut is now closed and has been riddled with controversies that include health code violations, millions in debt, arson, in-fighting, lawsuits, divorce filings and abuse, namely toward Holmes at the hands of Price. —

Jasmine Browley, Essence, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for riddle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for riddle

Noun

And what would a finale be without an update on the show’s season-long mystery?

— Andy Swift, TVLine, 11 Feb. 2025
Understanding more about the phenomenon could help scientists to probe some of the enduring mysteries of the universe, such as dark energy — the enigmatic force that causes the universe to expand faster over time.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025