riddle 1 of 2

as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain his motives for starting an argument with the coach were a complete riddle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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riddle

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun riddle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of riddle are enigma, mystery, problem, and puzzle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

When might enigma be a better fit than riddle?

While the synonyms enigma and riddle are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When is mystery a more appropriate choice than riddle?

The words mystery and riddle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

When could problem be used to replace riddle?

The synonyms problem and riddle are sometimes interchangeable, but problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

Where would puzzle be a reasonable alternative to riddle?

In some situations, the words puzzle and riddle are roughly equivalent. However, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

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 riddle
Noun
Naturally, the players then do their best to interrupt the riddle, with Eva Erickson holding out hope that a game of musical chairs could be in the cards. EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025 And yet, solo developer Billy Basso managed to stuff his adventure with layers and layers of clockwork machinations — hundreds of riddles, pleated together across a diorama that isn’t large, but is certainly deep. Luke Winkie, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
Videos of the scene show the parking lot riddled with massive piles of trash and one of the campers engulfed in flames. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 Mar. 2025 This is being justified with completely unsubstantiated claims that Social Security is riddled with fraud. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riddle
Noun
  • Swanson is a mystery and could retire, Lavelle hasn't been at her best since 2021.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Other than the color, the reason why the monks chose to bind their books in seal skin remains a mystery.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The same rescission notice mentions another Biden-era rule that established stronger protections against drilling in the Western Arctic.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Much of the remaining top-tier inventory is already drilled.
    Dan Eberhart, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That allows water and air to penetrate the thatch and begin the important process of decay.
    Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Light cannot penetrate some sinkholes further away from shore, like the Middle Island Sinkhole.
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Comments Packing for a warm-weather trip sounds simple in theory, but building outfits that are stylish, comfortable, and versatile enough for travel days can feel like a puzzle.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Inside, discover the latest book releases and puzzles, hang out with kids or join their book club.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To get an empty eggshell, pierce small holes on either end of a fresh, raw egg with a needle and gently blow the contents out into a bowl.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Wolf, Puss in Boots’s big villain, had piercing red eyes; Sinners’s villain Remmick (Jack O’Connell) has piercing red eyes.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner embraces melancholy in new album The music of the indie rock band Japanese Breakfast is suffused with longing.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025
  • His dialogue was abundant and suffused with paradox and irony.
    Elaine Woo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Kansas City Royals are a bit of an enigma right now.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Piper and Timothy go through transformative experiences over the season, but Saxon, Lochlan, and Victoria remain enigmas to each other and the viewer.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • My job involved taking a frying pan cover off a conveyor belt, using a press to punch a hole, attaching a fly wheel and returning the finished product to the conveyor belt.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
  • But the rest of the skit was punching up and I/Chelsea was the only one punched down on … Not Sarah Squirm’s fault and not hating on her.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Riddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riddle. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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