mystique

mys·tique | \ mi-ˈstēk

How to pronounce mystique (audio)

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Definition of mystique

1 : an air or attitude of mystery (see mystery entry 1 sense 1) and reverence developing around something or someone the legendary singer's mystique the mystique of the liturgy

2 : the special esoteric skill essential in a calling or activity the mystique of yoga the mystique of hang gliding

Examples of mystique in a Sentence

There's a certain mystique to people who fight fires. No one has been able to copy the legendary singer's mystique. the mystique of mountain climbing

Recent Examples on the Web Much of her allure lies in her mystique and the rich tone of her voice. — Shamika Sanders, Essence, "Summer Walker To Celebrate 'Life On Earth' With Quarantine Safe Listening Party," 10 July 2020 This very lack of democratic accountability feeds a mystique, a sense that our central bankers deal with concerns that are above the comprehension of mere mortals. — Christopher W. Shaw, Harper's Magazine, "The Money Question," 30 Mar. 2020 Rio’s favelas have garnered something of a mystique, with films like Elite Squad and the Oscar-winning classic Black Orpheus depicting them as plagued by drug trafficking and poverty, but blessed with vibrant culture and privileged vistas. — Washington Post, "Brazil’s biggest favela seeks foreigner ban on virus fears," 17 Mar. 2020 That’s because few clubs in world soccer can match Liverpool’s unique combination of alluring mystique, a gigantic fan base, and decades without a title. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, "Liverpool Is Running Away With the Premier League. Fans Can’t Stop Watching.," 5 Feb. 2020 Comic creators, perhaps often wanting to maintain a little mystique, have historically been hesitant to get explicit about their inspirations. — Theo Karasavvas, Ars Technica, "How modern tech has powered our favorite superheroes through the years," 4 Jan. 2020 Baldone was never credited officially with helping Bryant popularize the look, but the tailor was there at the center of the mystique-building iconography in the 1960s. — Joseph Goodman | Jgoodman@al.com, al, "‘Butch’ Baldone, the Bear’s tailor, crafted lasting Alabama legacy," 19 May 2020 As an artist committed to mystique, Bowie doesn’t share much about their upbringing. — Alex Frank, New York Times, "Yves Tumor Redefines Rock Stardom, Body on the Line," 7 Apr. 2020 Enough of the Warriors’ dynasty mystique remains, and enough of the damn-the-virus spirit exists, for fans to stir up at least an approximation of NBA basketball mania. — Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, "Flu fears take a backseat for one night as Warriors play to a rockin’ crowd," 7 Mar. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mystique.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

20 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Mystique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystique. Accessed 4 Aug. 2020.

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