mysterious

adjective

mi-ˈstir-ē-əs How to pronounce mysterious (audio)
Definition of mysteriousnext
1
as in cryptic
being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain the huge stone statues on Easter Island are ancient, mysterious, and haunting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning the stranger's mysterious prediction

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mysterious This place has a mysterious spiritual atmosphere, shaped by the idea of sacred cosmic energy and stories of warriors who gained supernatural powers through intense training. — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about the moon’s mysterious impact on radio and how ham enthusiasts helped scientists test it. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 Harmon’s droll delivery offers humor inside a mysterious vibe, dropping many of the play’s funniest lines and inside baseball theater jokes. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 28 July 2026 In the teaser for the six-episode series, which can be seen in its entirety below, a small seaside town is terrorized by a mysterious sea creature. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mysterious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mysterious
  1. cryptic
  2. ambiguous
  3. enigmatic
  4. dark
  5. mystic
  6. obscure
  7. uncanny
  8. deep
Adjective
  • At first, these data would be cryptic—who besides the biggest air-pollution nerd would know the difference between 35 μg/m3 of particulate matter (yellow-level risk, per the AQI) and 60 μg/m3 (red-level risk)?
    — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • As Miami gained steam in the LeBron market behind Pat Riley’s cryptic public optimism, the Heat and Cavaliers continually flip-flopped as the DraftKings favorite to land LeBron during the week leading up to James’ eventual decision.
    — Scott Phillips, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • High performers are the ones most often asked to manage difficult clients, resolve cross-functional conflict, make judgment calls and handle ambiguous challenges.
    — Kim Meninger, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • This definition of midlife also has ambiguous boundaries, which Lachman readily admits.
    — Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • One of Scotland’s can’t-miss distilleries is also one of its most enigmatic.
    — David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • In the first season finale, Kim makes a deal with Lee Dong-kyu, a new and enigmatic character who agrees to take down Juhak Construction for our protagonist.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026
Definition of enigmatic
Adjective
  • Protesters covered events in real time, filming Instagram reels, sharing videos and memes – often laced with dark humor and jibes at Modi – and posting updates from the protest site.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • The path of totality — the moon’s dark shadow — will cross eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain, from where the sun’s corona will become visible, if skies are clear, for up to 2 minutes 18 seconds.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • Unlike in Cutud, participants are mostly female faith healers adhering not to vows but to mystic trances and possession.
    — H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026
  • Whether Spatial surrounds its reggae-toasting host with piles of drums, disorienting electronic beats, or locomotive rock music, Scratch abides as crooner, barker, mystic, meditation coach — whatever the moment requires.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026
Definition of mystic
Adjective
  • Perhaps that’s what led to one Manchester United fan to start what must be one of the most obscure player songs in the club’s terrace songbook.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • The article warns that such high valuations, lacking public financial transparency, obscure true value.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • Played with tricksy force and a glint of anger in her eyes by Samantha Morton, Circe is at the center of the greatest scene in The Odyssey, one that foregrounds the grandeur and uncanny qualities of myth.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Critics have praised this Dalloway riff for its entrancing, uncanny visuals.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
Definition of uncanny
Adjective
  • The pair ended practice with a touchdown off a deep toss from Young to McMillan with Jackson, again, in coverage.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • In an era dominated by physical defenders, Baresi distinguished himself through his reading of the game, redefining the sweeper role by combining defensive authority with the ability to launch attacks from deep.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

mysteries
mysterious
mysteriousness
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Cite this Entry

“Mysterious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mysterious. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of mysterious for Spanish Speakers

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