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
  • 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
  • More Miguel Rodriguez/Getty Images What's so mysterious about a team playing well?
    — Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • These Quince ponte pants are a great option, available in a variety of darker hues that won’t attract stains.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Sophie's gun — which was an impulse buy just a few days back — is found and identified as the weapon that killed Abby. Sophie's quest to vindicate herself then leads to the unraveling of dark secrets, sketchy relationships, twisted small-town politics and more.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Whether the pair will do more to promote the album than share cryptic corresponding Instagram posts remains to be seen.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
  • Max receives cryptic messages from a woman on the Faceless Fantasies fetish site.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 24 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
  • For a woman who devotes herself to God is a mystic, whereas a woman who lusts after a mortal man is a fool.
    — Terry Nguyen July 23, Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
  • 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
Definition of mystic
Adjective
  • Data fed into these systems passes through layers of hidden nodes, performing thousands of computations that are largely inscrutable.
    — Anise Madh, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • The black hole at the center of our galaxy is hardly more inscrutable than the mysterious process by which Gov. Ron DeSantis decides which condemned prisoner will be put to death next.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
Definition of inscrutable
Adjective
  • Don’t hide behind vague language or blame external factors entirely.
    — Cody Slach, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • When asked about how Bader's addition will affect Kepler specifically, Dombrowski gave a vague response.
    — Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Hill's faint whistling can be heard in the background, hinting that the time loop may be far from broken, and Hill may not be gone after all.
    — Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 30 July 2025
  • My favorite hotel memory is: Waking up at Hotel Ritz to birdsong, sunlight, and the faint scent of fresh croissants — Parisian magic in every sense.
    — Caroline Tell, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of faint

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“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enigmatic. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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