Conundrum
mediumNeutral tonekuh-NUN-drum
noun
Definition
a confusing and difficult problem or riddle
Memory hook
coNUNdrum: imagine a NUN beating a DRUM while posing an impossible riddle you can't solve.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The ethics board faced a genuine conundrum with no clean resolution.”
“How to fund the program without raising taxes remained a stubborn conundrum.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ethics board faced a genuine ______ with no clean resolution.”
Show answer
conundrum
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Conundrum is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "puzzle" or "riddle" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "solution".
Related GRE Words
enigma
A puzzling person or thing; something mysterious or inexplicable
coherent
Logical and consistent; able to speak clearly and logically
confound
to confuse or perplex; to mix up or thwart
negate
to nullify; make ineffective or invalid
plausible
Seeming reasonable or probable; credible and deserving of belief
refute
To prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false
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