conundrum
[ kuh-nuhn-druhm ]
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Part of Speechnoun, nounOrigin + EtymologyExamples
Late 16th century; of unknown origin, but first recorded in a work by Thomas Nashe, as a term of abuse for a crank or pedant, later coming to denote a whim or fancy, also a pun
Synonyms
noun
Antonymsproblemdifficultyquandarydilemmapuzzleenigmamysteryposerfacer
nounriddlepuzzleword gamebrain-teaser
noun
Definitionsolution
nouna confusing and difficult problem or question
nouna riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words, as: "What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper."
nounThe side effects of the vaccine were a difficult conundrum for the experts.
nounThe teacher loved to use conundrums to keep his students entertained.
Usage Over Time