as in mysteries
something hard to understand or explain
the conundrum of how an ancient people were able to build such massive structures without the benefit of today's knowledge and technology
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Recent Examples of conundrums
There’s something about a dishwasher that stirs up controversies and conundrums, which is intriguing for such an unassuming kitchen appliance.
—
Susan Hall Mahon, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Your questions and comments, as well as gardening conundrums and successes are always welcome.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
The limitations can turn even common ailments — such as toothaches or ear pain — into difficult medical conundrums.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Mims’ usage remains one of the biggest conundrums surrounding Denver’s offense.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Despite its promise, there are challenges and ethical conundrums where AI advertising raises tough questions.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026
By posing real-life examples of conundrums faced by traders, Fibonacci brought maths to life.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
This year’s shortlist recognizes five thrilling authors, whose books all navigate uniquely American conundrums.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Susan Hall Mahon, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Your questions and comments, as well as gardening conundrums and successes are always welcome.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
The limitations can turn even common ailments — such as toothaches or ear pain — into difficult medical conundrums.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Mims’ usage remains one of the biggest conundrums surrounding Denver’s offense.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Despite its promise, there are challenges and ethical conundrums where AI advertising raises tough questions.
—Adam Rumanek, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026
By posing real-life examples of conundrums faced by traders, Fibonacci brought maths to life.
—Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
This year’s shortlist recognizes five thrilling authors, whose books all navigate uniquely American conundrums.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conundrums
Noun
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But to defeat such a powerful villain, Prince Adam will first need to uncover the mysteries of his past and become He-Man, the most powerful man in the Universe.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
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There are many mysteries surrounding Big Ma’s Kitchen, which opened last spring in the former Jade BBQ and Seafood space on Garvey Avenue.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Speaking of enigmas, Katie Zelem plays for West Ham now on loan after less than five months with London City.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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Yet despite their impressive size, encounters with these enigmas remain exceedingly rare due to the myriad of challenges of studying deep-sea sharks.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Conundrums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conundrums. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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