Choose the Right Synonym for enigmatic

obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. obscure poems dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. muttered dark hints of revenge vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. a vague sense of obligation enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. enigmatic occult writings cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. cryptic hints of hidden treasure ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. an ambiguous directive equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

The Origin of Enigmatic Isn't a Mystery

An enigma is a puzzle, a riddle, a mystery. The adjective enigmatic describes what is hard to solve or figure out. An enigmatic person is someone who is a bit mysterious to others. Behind an enigmatic smile are thoughts impossible to guess. The word enigma originally referred not to people or smiles but to words, and specifically to words that formed a riddle or a complicated metaphor that tested one's alertness and cleverness. This meaning is clearly connected to the word's origin. Enigma comes from the Greek word ainissesthai, meaning "to speak in riddles."

Examples of enigmatic in a Sentence

Space seethes with an enormous enigmatic energy, and, each second, trillions of cubic light-years more of it materializes from nothingness. — Bob Berman, Astronomy, November 2007 You'll recognize them by their enigmatic smile and faraway look as they jog, skate, commute, or wander the aisles of the supermarket. — Consumer Reports, December 2005 Despite all that has been written—and surmised—about him, Bill Gates remains the enigmatic ringmaster of the digital circus. — J. D. Reed, People, 15 Mar. 1999 the discovery of the abandoned ship in mid ocean remains one of the most enigmatic episodes in seafaring history the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile

Recent Examples on the Web Whitley has gone from the game's top pitching prospect to its most enigmatic. — Dave Clark, The Enquirer, 16 July 2022 In an era where long wiry versatile young big men are en vogue, meet the youngest, longest, wiriest and most enigmatic of them all. — Mark Deeks, Forbes, 30 June 2022 The show is a poignant examination of everything that has been said about one of history’s most enigmatic women — while also reflecting on everything Malinche was unable to say for herself. — Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2022 Her residency at the London’s Hammersmith Apollo in 2014 was manna from heaven for her fans, some of whom travelled the world to catch the enigmatic artist. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 22 June 2022 Throughout scenes inspired from Warhol’s enigmatic life will unfold on the streets, behind windows of area businesses, and inside secret locations along the route. — Brent Lang, Variety, 25 Jan. 2022 The trial is likely to provide a glimpse into the enigmatic life of Epstein and illuminate some of his connections to high-profile figures like Clinton, Trump, Bill Gates and Prince Andrew. — Lauren Del Valle And Eric Levenson, CNN, 30 Nov. 2021 Restrained in his deployment of the recordings, McIntosh conjures an enigmatic, shadowy, quietly colorful world, sometimes bone-dry, sometimes softly shimmering. — New York Times, 14 June 2022 What initially seems like a simple tale of Harper trying to overcome trauma while being besieged by strange forces turns into something even more enigmatic. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enigmatic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

24 Jul 2022

Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enigmatic. Accessed 27 Jul. 2022.

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enigmatic

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The Origin of Enigmatic Isn't a Mystery

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enigmatic

Definition of enigmatic

Other Words from enigmatic

Synonyms for enigmatic

Choose the Right Synonym for enigmatic

The Origin of Enigmatic Isn't a Mystery

Examples of enigmatic in a Sentence

First Known Use of enigmatic

History and Etymology for enigmatic

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The first known use of enigmatic was in 1609

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