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

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solecism

[ sol-uh-siz-uhm ]

a breach of good manners or etiquette

indelible

[ in-del-uh-buhl ]

impossible to eliminate, forget, or change

bilk

[ bilk ]

to defraud; cheat

pharaonic

[ fair-ey-on-ik ]

cruelly oppressive; tyrannical

adversary

[ ad-ver-ser-ee ]

one's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute

petrichor

[ pet-ri-kawr, pe-trahy-kawr ]

a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather

ingratiating

[ in-grey-shee-ey-ting ]

charming; agreeable; pleasing; deliberately meant to gain favor

evanescent

[ ev-uh-nes-uhnt ]

soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing

Apologia

[ ap-uh-loh-jee-uh ]

a defense especially of one's opinions, position, or actions