riddle 1 of 2

noun

ˈri-dᵊl How to pronounce riddle (audio)
Definition of riddlenext
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

1
as in to drill
to make a hole or series of holes in several signs along the highway were riddled by buckshot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to penetrate
to spread throughout the newspaper exposé revealed a gaming commission that is riddled with corruption

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
While in labor, Angela and Wesley work together to solve a riddle that helps crack a case. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 Kind of a silly riddle, but what’s life if not a little silly. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Verb
The multimillion-dollar renovation has been riddled with flawed installation, green algae bloom in the water, and alleged acts of vandalism from the beginning. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026 Although 5-MeO-DMT can produce experiences of overwhelming intensity, often interpreted as encounters with ultimate truth, the history of toad smoking is riddled with false leads and misinformation. — Kimon De Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for riddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riddle
  1. mystery
  2. drill
  3. penetrate
  4. puzzle
  5. pierce
  6. suffuse
  7. enigma
  8. punch
Noun
  • The two started off as enemies as Judy joined the Zootopia Police Department, but then put aside their differences to solve a mystery in the animal city.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Magic super-rings that can transform thoughts into solid green objects in order to fight crime and solve mysteries.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of mystery
Verb
  • The two-time All-Star shot 4 of 6 from the field and drilled two 3s.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Even then, the hope was to drill this winter, and not more than a year from now.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of drill
Verb
  • Webb’s infrared vision is particularly useful here because infrared light can penetrate dust that blocks much of the visible light, giving astronomers a better look at the processes taking place inside stellar nurseries.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Even when flames are intense, the relatively short duration of exposure gives heat little time to penetrate thick masonry walls, assuming interior materials don’t catch fire and continue burning from within.
    — Giorgia Giardina, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of penetrate
Noun
  • One piece of the wedding puzzle the groom took on was the menu for the big day.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Learning new skills, playing word games and having stimulating hobbies like reading or puzzles keeps the mind sharp.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of puzzle
Verb
  • More than 180 bullets pierced, cracked or shattered windows in six buildings on campus.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Juanita, also a grandmother, died of her injuries, while Jessica suffered several fractured ribs, one of which pierced her lungs, the lawsuit states.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pierce
Verb
  • After setting her wildly popular debut The Tiger's Wife in a Balkans suffused with myth and magic, the author turned in subsequent books to the Old West and a city redolent of New York.
    — Colin Dwyer, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The threat is still there, suffused into the air like a memory, but for a time the choice between love and survival no longer feels mutually exclusive to Nino and Yasmina.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
Definition of suffuse
Noun
  • Russell Westbrook was an NBA enigma, right up to the very end.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • On top of that, Perel said, the kinds of communities and rituals people traditionally relied on when facing enigma and loss aren’t so common anymore.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Definition of enigma
Verb
  • Speaking to reporters before heading out on a campaign bus tour in Maine, Collins was asked about recent reports of a 1988 incident in which Jackson faced misdemeanor charges for punching an unnamed man.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026
  • MASSive congratulations to Bridgewater Joe Lazaro LL on punching their ticket to the Little League Baseball World Series, presented by @TMobile!
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of punch

Phrases Containing riddle

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ridding
riddle
riddled
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Cite this Entry

“Riddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riddle. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on riddle

Nglish: Translation of riddle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about riddle

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