enigmatic

/ˌɛnɪɡˈmætɪk/adjective

Mysterious and difficult to interpret or figure out.

Example sentences

“She gave an enigmatic smile and refused to say where she'd been.”
“The enigmatic stranger left town as suddenly as he had arrived.”

The Mona Lisa's smile is the textbook example: 'enigmatic smile' is a set phrase. It describes what invites and resists interpretation.

Featured as word of the day on September 6, 2026.

Synonyms for enigmatic

Antonyms

clear
straightforward

Find it in: Advanced English words, Words to describe a person.

Related words

eruditeHaving or showing deep knowledge gained from a lot of reading and study.effervescentLively, cheerful, and overflowing with energy and enthusiasm.ebullientFull of cheerful energy and excitement.dourSerious, unfriendly, and severe in manner or appearance.fastidiousPaying extremely close attention to detail and wanting everything to be exactly right.dogmaticStating opinions in a forceful, superior way, as if they could never be wrong.