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
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of riddle
Big Think, 1 Dec. 2025
The words bring to mind the classic riddle about whether a tree, falling in the forest, makes a sound if no one is around to hear it.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2025
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025
Injuries have riddled Diggs over the last few years.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riddle
Noun
The answer to nature’s greatest riddles are written upon the Universe itself.
—Verb
Bars and restaurants were already riddled with screens before everyone at the table also clutched one in their hand.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for riddle
Noun
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The Sheep Detectives in theaters, May 8 Yes, the detectives are literally sheep, who are moved to solve the mystery of their shepherd’s (Hugh Jackman) murder.—
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The biggest mystery of the 2025 San Francisco 49ers has been why Sigle was not able to see the field in the second half of the year.—
Verb
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Jennings made the throw while getting drilled by All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was flagged for roughing the passer.—
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Also in attendance are two representatives from M-Tex’s insurance firm, Blanton — the same group that previously warned of legal action unless the company used its $400 million insurance payout to drill a new offshore well.—
Verb
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The watershed also is situated on relatively flat, low-lying and porous terrain, enabling higher tides to penetrate deeper into the freshwater marshes through the vast network of canals that holds the watershed together.—
-
Massaging it into the scalp helps stimulate circulation and allows the product to penetrate more effectively.—
Noun
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Create corners that invite indoor activities like putting together puzzles, creating art, knitting, and reading.—
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Overall, getting around the Philippines often feels like solving a puzzle – one that requires planning, creative thinking, and flexible switching between different transportation.—
Verb
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Whistle blasts pierced the early January chill in a now-familiar community response employed by activists in US cities to alert neighbors to the presence of immigration officers.—
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As for what these glorious creatures sound like, the great eared nightjar's piercing call can be heard at dawn and dusk.—
Verb
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Rafiq suspected that the anxiety suffusing the market had made any pickpockets unlikely to be scoping out potential shoppers.—
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The film draws power from the subtle specificity; Børsum’s voice, low and knowing, comes suffused with an ineffable meaning.—
Noun
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Their sudden exit from the fossil record has remained one of anthropology’s most enduring enigmas, until now.—
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However, both teams have been an enigma since then, with neither putting up inspiring performances.—
Verb
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One defensive stop later, and the Hurricanes clinched their 31-27 win over the Rebels to punch their ticket into the national championship game.—
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The Ravens battled the Pittsburgh Steelers in a crucial division matchup, where the winner would be crowned AFC North champs and punch its ticket into the postseason, while the loser would be sent packing.—
Cite this Entry
“Riddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riddle. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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