Vocabulary in context
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Conundrum
A puzzling question; a riddle; a problem that is difficult to solve or understand.
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Imagine This
Long ago, in a parade, a school band puzzled the audience because its drummer used corn cobs instead of drum sticks (not the chicken drumstick!). It remains a mystery why the sound of the drum was so good… Do you know why?
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Sounds Like
kuh-nuhn-druhm
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Looks Like
Ends with 'drum'; contains 'con' and 'undrum' as a clue.
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Remember This
Conundrum is commonly used to describe a difficult problem or puzzle; it is not typically used for people. Its origin is uncertain; the word has a playful, literary tone.
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Other Forms
conundrumsnoun
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Connect With
puzzle, riddle, mystery, enigma, quandary
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Note
Avoid confusing conundrum with similar-sounding words like 'encumbrance' or with phrases that imply a simple answer. It often collocates with 'puzzle', 'mystery', or 'riddle'.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The disappearance of the artifacts posed a conundrum for the investigators.
- Solving the cryptic clue proved to be a real conundrum for the students.
Synonyms
enigmapuzzlemysteryriddleposer
Antonyms
solutionanswerclarity
Etymology
Origin uncertain; earliest known use in English is unclear, and there is no universally agreed-upon root. It is generally treated as a coinage with an atmosphere of whimsy.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: CONUNDRUM ends with DRUM— remember a conundrum is a puzzling question, like a drumbeat that makes you stop and think.
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Inflexible
adjectiveNot easily bent, altered, or persuaded; stubbornly unyielding in opinions or behavior.
Partisan
noun and adjectiveA strong, biased supporter of a party or cause; as an adjective, describing biased, one-sided allegiance to a party or faction.
Orderly
adjectiveNeatly arranged or organized; showing order and regularity in arrangement or behavior.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Enigma
nounA person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand; a puzzle.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
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