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 Poetry in the Soil: Thematic Roots of the Exhibition Mutu’s enigmatic works do not mimic or mock classical aesthetics but create a contemporary counterpoint. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The same narrative was recycled, almost ritualistically, whenever the enigmatic artist took the stage. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Her voice soon catches the attention of the admired and enigmatic choirmaster Machá (Juraj Loj). —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 July 2025 Her voice soon catches the attention of the admired and enigmatic choirmaster Machá. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 2 July 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
  • More Miguel Rodriguez/Getty Images What's so mysterious about a team playing well?
    — Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Years after gaining superpowers from being bombarded by cosmic rays in space, the astronauts-turned-superheroes face a new threat when the mysterious Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner), heralds the coming of the world-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson).
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • Transformed into a swan by the evil sorcerer Rothbart, Odette and Siegfried's love faces an impossible battle against dark forces.
    — Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 22 July 2025
  • The other dark money entity paying for ads that promote a candidate is 5Plus1, which has been spending oodles on billboards and campaign literature mailed to Detroiters that promote Sheffield, the city council president.
    — M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • The Wall Street Journal reported in the evening on July 17 that Trump sent Epstein a lewd, cryptic letter for his 50th birthday.
    — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • In the days leading up to the show, Tyler hinted at a surprise set for July 21 by posting cryptic images on his Instagram, including a Louis Vuitton bag, a mannequin’s head and a trumpet player in a band uniform.
    — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 July 2025
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • Automate routine monitoring, but require cross-functional review for ambiguous or high-impact alerts, providing clear explanations.
    — Dr. Chiranjiv Roy, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • At times, though, there’s nothing ambiguous or veiled in his work.
    — Anastasia Tsioulcas, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • The man from Osaka’s right arm is almost mystic, like one of California’s solemn redwoods.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • Further projects include psychological thriller The Olive Press, set in the mystic world of the Druze community in Mount Lebanon, from writer and director Samah El Kadi, and co-written by Nadim Chammas.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Definition of mystic
Adjective
  • The man simply commands the screen as inscrutable Lumon Deputy Manager Seth Milchick.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 18 July 2025
  • Exactly why a series is successful can be an inscrutable thing, but some mixture of Squid Game’s grotesquerie, watchability, and class-war ideology made it so.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Definition of inscrutable
Adjective
  • Diners and customers still face overwhelming menus, vague promotions, delayed support and unclear pricing.
    — Maulikkumar Pandya, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • So the question is, when does a vague ending serve more of a purpose than a clear one?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 July 2025
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • These pictures reveal faint details that were previously invisible.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • Bell Labs gave me free rein to engineer new systems that would detect those extremely faint signals.
    — Jenna Ahart, Quanta Magazine, 11 July 2025
Definition of faint

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“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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