unriddle

Verb

unriddle (third-person singular simple present unriddles, present participle unriddling, simple past and past participle unriddled)

1. (transitive) To figure out the answer to (a riddle).

   Synonyms:

   deduce, riddle

2. (broadly, transitive) To solve (a perplexing problem).
   • It vvill be found, vvhen the Myſterie of iniquitie ſhall be unriddled, that, as they vvere their ſpavvn the Anabaptiſts, the obſtructers of our Doctrinal Reformation, ſo, they are by their Miſſionaries ſent unto Corners and Hillie Countreys the obſtructers of our practical.1702, [John Wilson], An Essay wherein National Love and Unity is Recommended, Its Opposits Exposed, Arguments for It Propounded, and Its Standard Expounded, and All Contenders Blamed. […], Edinburgh...
   • On the right hand of [a wax figure representing] Popery sat Judaism, represented by an old man embroidered with phylacteries, and distinguished by many typical figures, which I had not skill enough to unriddle.1710 December 10 (Gregorian calendar), Isaac Bickerstaff [et al., pseudonyms; Joseph Addison; Richard Steele], “Wednesday, November 30, 1710”, in The Tatler, number 257; republished in [Richard...

   Synonyms:

   puzzle out, riddle, unpuzzle, absolve, decipher, get to the bottom of, iron out, meliorate, ravel, reason out