riddle

10 synonyms and 2 antonyms for riddle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A question or statement phrased puzzlingly, meant to be solved for fun or as a test of wit.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

screen

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

penetrate enigma diffuse

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

conundrum imbue pervade permeate brain-teaser interpenetrate

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A question or statement phrased puzzlingly, meant to be solved for fun or as a test of wit.

“The sphinx asked travellers a riddle before letting them pass.”

screen penetrate enigma diffuse conundrum imbue pervade permeate brain-teaser interpenetrate

Opposites

explanation solution

2. verb

To pierce something with many holes, or to fill it thoroughly with something, often something damaging.

“The old fence was riddled with woodworm.”

permeate penetrate screen interpenetrate pervade imbue diffuse

How to use riddle

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

solve a riddle riddled with holes riddled with errors

Etymology

From Old English rædels, meaning "counsel" or "puzzle," related to rede ("advice") — the same root that gives us the phrase "read someone's mind."

Full origin of riddle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “riddle” mean?

The word “riddle” means a question or statement phrased puzzlingly, meant to be solved for fun or as a test of wit. In plain terms, a tricky puzzle-question, a coarse sieve, or (as a verb) to fill something full of holes or problems.

How do you pronounce “riddle”?

“Riddle” is pronounced RIH-duhl (/ˈɹɪdəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “riddle” in a sentence?

Here is “riddle” used in a sentence: “The sphinx asked travellers a riddle before letting them pass.”

What part of speech is “riddle”?

Depending on how it is used, “riddle” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “riddle” come from?

The word “riddle” comes from Old English. From Old English rædels, meaning "counsel" or "puzzle," related to rede ("advice") — the same root that gives us the phrase "read someone's mind.".

Is “riddle” a common word?

“Riddle” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “riddle” have?

“Riddle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a question or statement phrased puzzlingly, meant to be solved for fun or as a test of wit.

People also searched

solution screen explanation penetrate Enigma diffuse imbue pervade interpenetrate permeate conundrum

Nearby words

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