enigmatic

adjective

enig·​mat·​ic ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-tik How to pronounce enigmatic (audio)
also ˌē-(ˌ)nig-
variants or less commonly enigmatical
ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-ti-kəl How to pronounce enigmatic (audio)
also ˌē-(ˌ)nig-
Synonyms of enigmatic
: of, relating to, or resembling an enigma : mysterious
enigmatically
ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce enigmatic (audio)
also ˌē-(ˌ)nig-
adverb

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The Origin of Enigmatic Isn't a Mystery

The noun enigma can refer to a puzzle, a riddle, a question mark. It’s no mystery then, that the adjective enigmatic describes what is hard to solve or figure out. An enigmatic person, for example, may be someone with a bit of je ne sais quoi. What’s behind a stranger’s enigmatic smile? Your guess is as good as ours. Does the vocabulary in the short story you’re reading render it a tad enigmatic? Better grab a dictionary! Both enigma and enigmatic come from the Greek verb ainissesthai, meaning “to speak in riddles.”

Synonyms of enigmatic

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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

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
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.
Today, this Chilean territory is essentially an open-air archaeological museum, with many of its enigmatic moai (representations of Polynesian ancestors) returned to their upright positions following seven decades of restoration. — Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 In England, practicing witch Imogen Bright Moon works as an artist and weaver, creating enigmatic tapestries out of wool, silk and linen. — Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 Swamped by allegations of fraud, the actions of the company and its enigmatic CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, shone a harsh light on problems with scientific start-ups. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026 That's especially prevalent in the Oversized Graphic T-Shirt with enigmatic dates on the back -- those are already causing a stir in the fan community. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enigmatic

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin aenigmaticus, borrowed from Late Greek ainigmatikós, from ainigmat-, aínigma "obscure expression, riddle, enigma" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enigmatic was in 1609

Rhymes for enigmatic

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Enigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enigmatic. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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