enigma crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're wrestling with the "enigma crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line.
Solutions for "enigma crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
PUZZLE: A game or problem designed to test ingenuity; something that causes bewilderment.
RIDDLE: A question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer; a perplexing person or thing.
SPHINX: A mythical creature, often associated with a mysterious or enigmatic nature due to its famous riddles.
7 Letters
MYSTERY: Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain; a baffling thing.
9 Letters
CONUNDRUM: A confusing and difficult problem or question; a complex puzzle that is hard to solve.
More About "enigma crossword clue"
The term "enigma" itself is derived from Greek, meaning "to speak in riddles." It inherently suggests something mysterious, obscure, or perplexing. In the world of crosswords, clues related to "enigma" often challenge solvers to think beyond the obvious, seeking synonyms that capture this essence of mystery or difficulty. Common answers include direct synonyms, but also terms that evoke a sense of the unknown or a puzzling situation.
Understanding the nuances of "enigma" can greatly aid in solving related clues. It's not just about a simple unknown, but often implies a challenge to comprehension, a secret, or something deliberately made difficult to understand. This conceptual breadth allows crossword setters to craft diverse clues, from straightforward synonym questions to more cryptic or thematic prompts that hint at a famous "enigma" from history or mythology.
By exploring the various facets of "enigma," from its linguistic roots to its use in popular culture (like the Enigma machine of WWII), solvers can build a richer vocabulary to tackle these types of clues more effectively. Recognizing the different shades of meaning – from a simple puzzle to a profound mystery – is key to selecting the correct answer among several possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Broaden Your Synonyms: For clues like "enigma," always think of multiple synonyms. Don't just stop at the first one that comes to mind; consider all words related to mystery, puzzle, or obscurity.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Once you have a few potential answers, check which one perfectly matches the required length in the grid.
- Consider Cryptic Meanings: If a clue seems too simple, or doesn't quite fit, consider if "enigma" is being used in a more cryptic or metaphorical sense, perhaps referring to a person or historical event known for being mysterious.
- Use Crossing Letters: Leverage letters from intersecting words. Even one correct letter can dramatically narrow down the possibilities for an "enigma" answer, especially for longer words like CONUNDRUM.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good crossword clue for "enigma"?
A good crossword clue for "enigma" often plays on its core meaning of mystery, puzzle, or something hard to understand. Clues might use synonyms like 'mystery,' 'puzzle,' 'riddle,' or descriptive phrases such as 'puzzling problem,' 'baffling question,' or 'source of bewilderment.' Sometimes, they might even hint at specific famous enigmas or mythological figures like the Sphinx, adding a layer of cryptic fun.
How can knowing synonyms help with "enigma" clues?
Knowing a broad range of synonyms is crucial for solving crossword clues like "enigma." Words such as MYSTERY, PUZZLE, RIDDLE, or CONUNDRUM are direct synonyms that frequently appear as answers. If the letter count doesn't fit one, trying others from your mental thesaurus can often reveal the correct solution. It expands your options beyond the most obvious answer and helps you adapt to different clue styles.
Are there common word patterns associated with "enigma" in crosswords?
While there isn't one universal pattern, many answers for "enigma" clues tend to be common nouns ranging from 6 to 9 letters long. Words like MYSTERY (7 letters) and PUZZLE (6 letters) are very common. Pay attention to crossing letters from other clues, as these can quickly narrow down the possibilities for words of similar meaning, helping you deduce whether the answer is a shorter synonym like RIDDLE or a longer one like CONUNDRUM. The context of other clues can often provide strong hints.