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

Relevance

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 But, as Kalshi backers often point out on social media, Adventure One is shrouded in mystery. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026 Part of the problem — Graver was a mystery himself. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 People treat it like a murder mystery. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 June 2026 In his earlier alien films, extraterrestrials represented mystery and escape. Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mystery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystery
Noun
  • Even at the height of his fame, there were dubious aspects of his personal life — often self-seeded to sustain his enigma — that poked hellified holes in his impermeability as an entertainer.
    Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026
  • Despite the city and Heal the Bay forming a Santa Monica Pier Task Force, adding netting to deter birds, and taking other measures to improve the water quality, the root of the problem remains an enigma.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Last year was a communication puzzle to solve.
    Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
  • Perhaps not enough people know where to catch the MGM+ original, because the satisfying puzzle box series, developed by John Griffin, has remained steady and exciting during its run, consistent when other mysterious shows might have run out of gas or jumped the shark.
    William Earl, Variety, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • London Falling is an investigation of an inexplicable death told through the lens of parents struggling to solve the riddle of who their son really was.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
  • The machine’s repertoire included answers to 12 riddles, passages from books, and laughing, crying and kissing sounds, as well as arias sung in both male and female voices—all feats that Edison’s phonograph would one day be able to accomplish by recording and playing back the human voice.
    Ron Cowen, Scientific American, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Ellner has the proof that his employer has been keeping secrets for the government for more than 70 years — close encounters of the third kind on Earth are real.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
  • From creator Jonathan Tropper, and starring and executive produced by Jon Hamm, Season 3 of Your Friends & Neighbors finds Andrew Cooper (Hamm) doubling down on his life as an unlikely suburban thief, until the arrival of a new neighbor threatens to expose his secrets and place his family at risk.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • What to do with your new toy, a toy that has had serious batting trouble with its stars, with severe problems driving in runs, and pitching hanging by a torn ligament?
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2026
  • However, the Knicks had a major problem almost immediately after halftime.
    Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mystery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystery. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on mystery

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster