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 These enigmatic planets are called sub-Neptunes, which are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 An enigmatic Willem Dafoe appears on Corey Hawkins' doorstep with an unusual proposition in Entertainment Weekly's exclusive first look at The Man in My Basement. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 June 2025 Like Moore in Sirens, Kidman plays an enigmatic leader with a disturbing obsession with exerting control over her guests, who are made up of a buzzy ensemble cast. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 3 June 2025 In a quaint village nestled high in the Swiss alps, an enigmatic domed building towers above the sloped rooftops. —Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 4 June 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
  • The story in the graphic novel picks up 10 years after the events of the eponymous 1980 movie, as Joliet Jake disappears from prison under mysterious circumstances.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
  • All do so, apart from the titular madman, who has a mysterious reason to stay behind.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 June 2025
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • Named for the distinctive dark stripes running across the back of its head, this medium-sized goose is specially adapted for one of the most extreme migrations in the animal kingdom.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • White, pale blue, gray, and green swimsuits can be some of the hardest swimsuits to spot in a pool, while darker colors, like navy and black, can be difficult to detect in open water.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • The cryptic introduction is a subtle nod to the bartenders that the patron is about to order one of four drinks from the Burning Blade secret menu.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
  • The moment helped confirm a romance that had been rumored for several months following several cryptic Instagram posts.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • The inconsistency of the geographical settings goes hand in hand with the how their American protagonists are depicted as inept operators whose heroism is ambiguous Soon after his arrival in Saigon, Andrews mistakes an advertisement for a dubious massage parlor as a clue from a local contact.
    — H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
  • That’s negativity bias in action—the cognitive reflex to prioritize potential threats over neutral or positive cues, especially when the situation is ambiguous.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Something of a mystic, just like af Klint, Martin found meaning and structure in artistic practice and spiritual rigor.
    — Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
  • This book contains the first English translation of the writings of af Klint, a Swedish painter and mystic.
    — Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
Definition of mystic
Adjective
  • But compromises like these might be unavoidable in an era of such inscrutable excess.
    — Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 4 June 2025
  • Great eight: Slot picks decisive moments of Liverpool title win (Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton) Arne Slot is an inscrutable guy.
    — Phil Hay, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Definition of inscrutable
Adjective
  • Burnout is no longer a vague emotional state but a measurable physiological response driven by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and cellular fatigue.
    — Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Many — most? — people have only a vague understanding of what the other is really up to.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • The headband usually has to be readjusted ahead of the next wear, as the sound can be faint if the headphones are not perfectly positioned over the ears.
    — Rebecca Taylor, Outside Online, 19 June 2025
  • Use your mobile phone to scan the skies, as the camera is great at picking up faint auroras before your eyes spot them.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 June 2025
Definition of faint

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“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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