variants also enigmatical
1
2

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 Now get the other side of the story in this juicy new tome that explores the enigmatic JFK's life and the relationships that defined it. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 30 May 2025 In the film, Colin, a timid man is swept off his feet when Ray, an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 May 2025 Except the enigmatic Anti-Zsa Zsa committee that’s been bankrolling all those plane bombs have also just tanked the market in terms of the materials needed to build all of this. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025 From resolving matters of the heart to promises of good weather, the enigmatic green flash holds a stake in meteorological folklore. Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic
Adjective
  • Four thousand years ago, however, Crete was also a crossroads dominated by a mysterious and largely still poorly understood Bronze Age culture that predated classical Greece.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The movie is led by Tom Hiddleston as the titular, mysterious Chuck Krantz, with a supporting cast that includes Mark Hamill, Mia Sara, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Matthew Lillard, Annalise Basso and Kate Siegel.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 6 June 2025
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
Adjective
  • Gad teased work on the project in 2024 with a cryptic Instagram post that blocked out certain sections on the script’s cover page.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
  • This Instagram comment comes amid a series of cryptic social media posts shared by Bieber and growing concerns for him.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Without a clear roadmap, friendship breakups often feel ambiguous, or sometimes lead to unnecessary hurt.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The Food and Drug Administration’s April 22 news release contains some ambiguous language.
    Andrea Ruth, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The author also varies the texture of the book by inserting poems, quotations, dramatic dialogue, a veiled account of her unhappy days at boarding school, and a lengthy digression on the German mystic Friederike Hauffe, who claimed to be clairvoyant and to communicate with spirits.
    James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Materialists is a swipe-right experience — elusive but not inscrutable, as well as enjoyably, delicately playful.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • Most people have a sense that legal principles and arguments are relatively inscrutable to the average Joe.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, however, the label lost credibility—undermined by vague accounting, low-quality offsets, and limited transparency.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • On the surface, Brunson’s comments were vague – even harmless.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Then came a ‘faint voice’ May 30, 2025 12:00 PM Read Next National Man vanished in remote national park 2 weeks ago, CO officials say.
    Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
  • The image also shows faint, ghostly rings around Uranus.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on enigmatic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!