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 Read Next World Rare chicks ‘once shrouded in mystery’ hatched in Brazil. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025 One thing that remains a mystery is chicken on a stick. Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 This was a period during which the red planet seemed to be ready to give up some of its mystery. Matthew Shindell, The Conversation, 6 June 2025 The mysteries of Césaire’s work and life have been an open question of Martiniquan, French, and wider Caribbean history. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for mystery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystery
Noun
  • But Bryan was widely seen as suffering a humiliating defeat in public opinion, with his sputtering attempts to explain the Bible’s fanciful miracles and enigmas.
    Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
  • Bacon’s Castle was originally built by Arthur Allen, who remains something of an enigma to historians, according to the National Park Service.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • That is a big piece of the RSU organization puzzle, said Stermetz.
    Bruce Brumberg, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Monument Valley 3 – July 22 Release platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC The third game in the Monument Valley series promises to bring mind-bending puzzles and chill vibes to players, much like the first two games.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • These caterpillars typically riddle plant leaves with lacy holes or chew entire leaves down to nubs.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025
  • This was the riddle: What has a spine but no bones?
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Well, Iran wasn't keeping its stockpile of enriched uranium secret.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 June 2025
  • One big secret to new plant survival is keeping the root ball moist until established. 54.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • There are admitted problems with the program that can lead to a high percentage of incorrect filings.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • On Monday afternoon, when the heat index was again over 100 degrees, these second-floor offices had to close because of problems with the ventilation system.
    Lily Carey, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mystery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystery. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mystery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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