Synonyms of mystify

mystify

verb

ˈmi-stə-ˌfī 

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

• perplex
• confuse
• bewilder
• baffle
• puzzle
• befuddle
• bemuse
• embarrass
• confound
• flummox
• disorient
• discombobulate
• vex
• bother
• bamboozle
• stun
• pose
• disturb
• muddle
• fluster
• fuddle
• addle
• maze
• rattle
• befog
• upset
• muddy
• buffalo
• fox
• unsettle
• get
• gravel
• beat
• disconcert
• deceive
• blow one's mind
• discomfit
• mortify
• stick
• agitate
• nonplus
• faze
• mislead
• stump
• distress
• perturb
• delude
• go to one's head
• beguile
• unhinge
• abash
• discomfort
• discountenance
• discompose
• disquiet
• misguide
• trick
• dismay
• fool
• hoodwink
• chagrin
• weird out
• dupe
• cozen
• humbug
• hoax
• snow
• take in
• gull
• string along

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assure
• satisfy
• inform
• reassure
• enlighten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of mystify

In recent years, the Angels’ decisions in drafting and development have mystified outside observers. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

But for those who find (and in some cases may be slightly mystified as to why) that there is a nagging, needling value to Schrader’s ongoing project of tussling with grandiose dilemmas of transgression and deliverance, there is some new news here. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026

Fears of serial killer The unsolved murders at the time mystified Kansas City residents and fueled fears of a serial killer targeting people who used the area’s trail system. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

For years, Cole was mystified by a small, beanlike object with stripes which lurked in the background of certain drawings. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026