Definition of mysterynext
as in enigma
something hard to understand or explain why my sister married that guy is still a mystery to my parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun mystery differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mystery are enigma, problem, puzzle, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

Where would enigma be a reasonable alternative to mystery?

While the synonyms enigma and mystery are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When might problem be a better fit than mystery?

The words problem and mystery can be used in similar contexts, but problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

When is puzzle a more appropriate choice than mystery?

The synonyms puzzle and mystery are sometimes interchangeable, but puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When is it sensible to use riddle instead of mystery?

Although the words riddle and mystery have much in common, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

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 mystery Brooks remains one of the Panthers’ promising mysteries heading into 2026 and beyond. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026 Talton was also the author of a series of mystery books set in greater Phoenix featuring a sheriff's deputy named David Mapstone, who, like Talton, had a love of history. Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The View cohost Joy Behar still isn't on the show this week, with the 83-year-old comedian missing her third consecutive episode due to a mystery illness. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026 The mystery at the heart of Constellation isn't really that surprising. New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mystery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystery
Noun
  • Yet despite their impressive size, encounters with these enigmas remain exceedingly rare due to the myriad of challenges of studying deep-sea sharks.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • What adds another layer of enigma is that when sleeping, animals become less aware of their surroundings and more vulnerable to predators.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 30 Jan. 2026
  • So long as the Oh-My-God particle was a carbon (or heavier) nucleus, there’s no longer a puzzle to how particles achieve such high energies and how those particles make it to Earth.
    Big Think, Big Think, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Here’s a riddle for a frigid wintry day in Kansas City.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Everyone will take their own approach to the riddle, and there are no right answers.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Best Arc’teryx Deals on Base Layers The secret to surviving winter?
    Kristen Geil, Outside, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Gabby is hiding a few secrets as well, that boil down to money troubles and a dissatisfaction with the way her supposedly glamorous life has turned out.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The problem is that no instrument can directly measure magnetic fields in those layers.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Interestingly, Senior Bowl players said NIL money doesn’t cause problems in most cases.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mystery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystery. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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