conundrum

[ kuh-nuhn-druhm ]

Part of Speech noun

Origin + Etymology

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

riddle
puzzle
word game
brain-teaser

problem
difficulty
quandary
dilemma
puzzle
enigma
mystery
poser
facer

Antonyms

solution

Definition

1. a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words, as: "What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper."

2. a confusing and difficult problem or question

Examples

1. The teacher loved to use conundrums to keep his students entertained.

2. The side effects of the vaccine were a difficult conundrum for the experts.

Usage Over Time

#uncommon

Usage Over Time

explore more words

audacious

[ aw-dey-shuhs ]

showing an impudent lack of respect

abyss

[ uh-bis ]

anything profoundly unfathomable or eternal

solecism

[ sol-uh-siz-uhm ]

a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage

bolster

[ bohl-ster ]

a long, often cylindrical, cushion or pillow for a bed, sofa, etc.

perquisite

[ pur-kwuh-zit ]

an incidental payment, benefit, privilege, or advantage over and above regular income, salary, or wages

pharaonic

[ fair-ey-on-ik ]

cruelly oppressive; tyrannical

cordate

[ kawr-deyt ]

hart-shaped

minacious

[ mi-ney-shuhs ]

menacing; threatening

languid

[ lang-gwid ]

displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed