as in to perplex
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
we were mystified by the sudden changes in the tax code
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 mystify
This moth’s extraordinary navigational abilities have mystified scientists for many decades.
—
Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
That’s left some members of Congress mystified about why their funding is in jeopardy.
—Cassandra Jaramillo, ProPublica, 8 Aug. 2025
The sudden explosive change of air pressure and the heating of the air itself cleared every cloud out of the sky, mystifying Baxter and everyone else who witnessed the disappearance.
—Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
Our parent star, the Sun, has always captivated and mystified us.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
That’s left some members of Congress mystified about why their funding is in jeopardy.
—Cassandra Jaramillo, ProPublica, 8 Aug. 2025
The sudden explosive change of air pressure and the heating of the air itself cleared every cloud out of the sky, mystifying Baxter and everyone else who witnessed the disappearance.
—Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
Our parent star, the Sun, has always captivated and mystified us.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystify
Verb
-
Tutu Atwell’s role is perplexing Every fan base has some trademark bits.—
Nate Atkins,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Taylor is accustomed to playing forceful characters who have perplexing emotions about motherhood, and in A Thousand and One, Taylor earned her stripes as a performer and acclaim.—
Essence,
Essence,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Crotz was initially confused as to why Kjartan had closed himself inside.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
CarShield has received positive comments for its breadth of coverage and quick response times, although some policyholders have complained about claim denials, fine-print surprises and confusing sales practices.—
Brian Sloan,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The designs were puckish and gender-bending, evoking both awe and repulsion—the sort of clothing that titillates lovers of conceptual fashion and bewilders the uninitiated.—
Ana Karina Zatarain,
New Yorker,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Cody Meissner, a pediatric professor at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine who has served on ACIP in the past—arguably the most qualified of Kennedy's new lineup—was bewildered at why the committee was rehashing the issue addressed years ago.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But the rhetoric has baffled Democrats, who see ER payments as effective and noncontroversial and are unwilling to disavow it.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Fans in the surrounding section can be heard in shock, baffled that the man gave away such a coveted possession.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The observations detected a puzzling event as the planet transitioned from a steady accretion rate in April and May to a burst of growth between June and August.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Reports surfaced claiming that WWE was puzzled by such a low grade, followed by rumors that the company pushed to have Hale fired from his position at ESPN.—
Fernando Quiles Jr,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
And the offensive operation looked much smoother, as Payton meshed the Colts to death and befuddled their defense on a second-quarter touchdown in which tight end Adam Trautman split out wide.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Stainton Williams has been similarly befuddled by his interactions with Citizens.—
Mario Ariza,
ProPublica,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mystify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystify. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share