as in to perplex
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
we were mystified by the sudden changes in the tax code
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Recent Examples of mystify
His commitment to his craft was mystifying to behold.
—
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Jeff: When meeting with reporters on Wednesday, Chastain indicated he was mystified and offended by Logano’s post-race comments expressing frustration with the Trackhouse Racing driver.
—Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
As for where her children got the drugs, Kate says she's mystified.
—David Chiu, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
An old vaccine technology back in the spotlight But Ross and other outside vaccine experts are mystified by many aspects of Generation Gold Standard.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
Jeff: When meeting with reporters on Wednesday, Chastain indicated he was mystified and offended by Logano’s post-race comments expressing frustration with the Trackhouse Racing driver.
—Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
As for where her children got the drugs, Kate says she's mystified.
—David Chiu, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
An old vaccine technology back in the spotlight But Ross and other outside vaccine experts are mystified by many aspects of Generation Gold Standard.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystify
Verb
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With appetites for true crime documentaries seemingly insatiable, some viewers will be perplexed and even frustrated at how the directors don’t want to play investigative reporter or detective.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 June 2025
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They’re perplexed by the new arrival in their midst, but in time Laura and the lonely, unforthcoming Max warm to each other, and the four form an odd, intuitive family unit.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Map their journey to spot every gap, make buying effortless with fewer steps, communicate clearly so no one gets confused, add personal touches that create connection, and follow up fast to turn buyers into advocates.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Letters: Washington, D.C., has a deficit of humanity Do not confuse my warning to Israel for a shred of understanding for what Hamas did on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).—
Todd Longwell,
Variety,
2 June 2025
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Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
Verb
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When Burrell wasn’t tapped to join the show’s 28th season in January — after playing a central role in the first 27 — viewers were appalled and even Burrell was baffled.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
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Many bat species live for 20 to 40 years, in the wild or in captivity, baffling scientists.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
17 June 2025
Verb
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But when their daughter Abby was born months later, the couple were both shocked and puzzled.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 June 2025
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And a slightly surreal, fantastical closing scene is puzzling and pretentious rather than provocative.—
Stephen Farber,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Kershaw befuddled the Dodgers’ biggest rival yet again, firing seven scoreless innings in an 11-5 victory on Saturday night that evened the first series of the season between the longtime foes.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
14 June 2025
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Pochettino looked befuddled at his players’ casual approach in losses to Panama and Canada last month.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mystify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystify. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
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