Dictionary
enigmatic
adjective enig·mat·ic \ˌe-(ˌ)nig-ˈma-tik also ˌē-(ˌ)nig-\
: full of mystery and difficult to understand
Full Definition of ENIGMATIC
: of, relating to, or resembling an enigma : mysterious
— enig·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See enigmatic defined for English-language learners
Variants of ENIGMATIC
enig·mat·ic also enig·mat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\
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Examples of ENIGMATIC
- 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
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Origin of ENIGMATIC
(see enigma)
First Known Use: 1609
Related to ENIGMATIC
- Synonyms
- arcane, cryptic, deep, mysterious (also enigmatical), impenetrable, inscrutable, mystic, occult, uncanny
- Antonyms
- accessible, clear, nonambiguous, obvious, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Rhymes with ENIGMATIC
achromatic, acrobatic, aerobatic, anabatic, antistatic, aromatic, Asiatic, astigmatic, autocratic, automatic, bureaucratic, charismatic, cinematic, democratic, diplomatic, Eleatic, emblematic, enzymatic, Hanseatic, hieratic, Hippocratic, hydrostatic, kerygmatic, kleptocratic, melismatic, mobocratic, monocratic, morganatic, numismatic, operatic, phallocratic, photostatic, plutocratic, pre-Socratic, problematic, programmatic, symptomatic, systematic, technocratic, theocratic, thermostatic, undogmatic, undramatic
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