Thesaurus results for MYSTERY

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mystery

noun

ˈmi-st(ə-)rē

Definition of mystery

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 Interested in hearing more reporting on space, scientific mysteries or other emerging science? — Regina G. Barber, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026 How the killing of Biggie Smalls brought a big break in the Tupac Shakur murder mystery. — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Scientists were able to estimate his age and learn details about his uniform, but his identity remains one of the Civil War's many enduring mysteries. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Still, Walles says, the silence surrounding Ocean feels like a mystery. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mystery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystery

Noun

Rafa is a kind of enigma, an international sports figure who’s massively well liked and well known across the globe, but who has maintained an inner private life that is very authentically Spanish.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Russell Westbrook was an NBA enigma, right up to the very end.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of enigma

Noun

The nonprofits and LLCs offer greater flexibility to crack the financing puzzle than the previous system.

— James Pollard, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
This is the sort of game-within-a-game development puzzle that, for five years, has been left in the hands of England batters, untethered from advice and technical guidance.

— Ben Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of puzzle

Noun

Whether the brand promise of independence survives a business model built on agent territory sales is one of the next riddles for the housing market to solve.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
Compose a Riddle Leave them a riddle or brain teaser in their lunch box and challenge them to figure it out on their own.

— Sarah Scott, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of riddle

Noun

There’s also the fact that Buffy and especially Angel still feel, after all this, like secrets.

— Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
That double-helix structure is the secret to the tusk’s remarkable stiffness and strength, with the flexible fibers and stiff mineral matrix enabling the tusk to withstand strong forces, like bending and twisting without cracking.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of secret

Noun

The underlying pathology begins years before symptoms become apparent, and once symptomatic disease develops, cognitive problems generally continue to progress.

— Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026
Jung provides discreet, ever-changing services for powerful clients, solving problems with meticulous planning and quiet efficiency.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of problem

Browse Nearby Words

mysteriousness

mystery

mystic

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“Mystery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystery. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mystery

noun

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