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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Synonym Chooser

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 The mystery and the challenge of it seemed only to fuel his interest (Who is the old man? David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 That small question sparks an incredible journey filled with mystery, time travel, battles, and ancient beings known as Watchers. Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 GloRilla’s relationship status has been a mystery until now. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025 Mekhai Lee Emotionally impactful and technically impressive, THEM THAT’S NOT is a gratifying story ripe with moments of joy, a hint of mystery, and an earnest, heartwarming climactic scene. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mystery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystery
Noun
  • Gorman reunites with Okuno after playing a memorable enigma of a movie monster in her debut feature, Watcher.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
  • If anything, the ongoing questions around the strange journey of the Lizard King’s bust only add to the enigma.
    David Kushner, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His fans and followers enjoy solving the riddles through the screen, and the comments usually reflect the level of difficulty or ease of each game.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Although specific customs vary regionally across the Chinese-speaking world, the most prevalent activities involve lighting lanterns, guessing riddles, eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls with fillings like sweet red beans or black sesame paste), and watching traditional lion dance performances.
    Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Their double life soon gets complicated when a rival boy band harboring a sinister secret begins stealing their fans.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Mistakes, misfortunes, even tragedy, toxic secrets from the past—anything can happen, or may have happened.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The viral post, which received more than 3,000 upvotes on Reddit, is filled with dozens of comments of fellow travelers chiming in with their own tips and tricks using personal experiences solving delay problems.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025
  • DeSantis has urged lawmakers in Tallahassee to come up with a plan to ease the burden on Florida homeowners, but has expressed frustration with their approach to the problem.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mystery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystery. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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