· a difficult problem

Synonym(s): conundrum, enigma, brain-teaser

Hypernym(s): problem

· a coarse sieve (as for gravel)

Hypernym(s): sieve, screen

· pierce with many holes; "The bullets riddled his body"

Hypernym(s): pierce

· set a difficult problem or riddle; "riddle me a riddle"

Hypernym(s): perplex, vex, stick, get, puzzle, mystify, baffle, beat, pose, bewilder, flummox, stupefy, nonplus, gravel, amaze, dumbfound

· separate with a riddle, as grain from chaff

Synonym(s): screen

Hypernym(s): sift, sieve, strain

· spread or diffuse through; "An atmosphere of distrust has permeated this administration"; "music penetrated the entire building"; "His campaign was riddled with accusations and personal attacks"

Synonym(s): permeate, pervade, penetrate, interpenetrate, diffuse, imbue

Hypernym(s): penetrate, perforate

· speak in riddles

Hypernym(s): communicate, intercommunicate

· explain a riddle

Hypernym(s): solve, work_out, figure_out, puzzle_out, lick, work