ENIGMATIC Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

enigmatic

adjective

ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-tik

variants also enigmatical

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 But part of him seems to yearn to be more enigmatic, more Dylan-like. —

Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024 An enigmatic little horse completely changed his outlook. —

Kim Tingley Caity Weaver Sterry Butcher Lulu Garcia-Navarro Kwame Anthony Appiah Kwame Anthony Appiah Yotam Ottolenghi Elizabeth Nelson Andrew Willett John Hodgman, New York Times, 17 Nov. 2024 Lawless was a huge personality, the enigmatic leader of the Irish American community in Chicago and an advocate for Irish immigrants, documented or otherwise; his death made big news in Ireland. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2024 Advertisement Cody Bellinger, 29, OF, Boras: The former Dodgers elite center fielder and enigmatic hitter can opt out of the last two years and $52.5 million of his three-year, $80-million contract with the Chicago Cubs. —

Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enigmatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enigmatic

Adjective

The agent, who leads a double life disguised from her family, is then protected by the mysterious Sam, played by Whishaw.

Max Goldbart, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024
The mysterious reply sparked a flurry of additional attempts from users on Reddit to get the artificial intelligence tool to say the name – all to no avail.

Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024