MYSTIFY Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

mystify

verb

ˈmi-stə-ˌfī

Definition of mystify

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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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 Carney himself doesn’t have any tattoos, which is why the permanence of them in honor of a show mystifies him a bit. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026 The delay has mystified many fans, even leading one group to study it. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 13 July 2026 After getting up 28 shots against Australia and 32 against Paraguay, Turkey’s coach was mystified by the results. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 So far, this election has been light on the specifics, but the state faces real problems — from a failing healthcare system to gas prices that literally mystify even lawmakers. — Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mystify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystify

Verb

Others are perplexed at the meshing of fact (Wat Tyler and the Revolt) and fiction (Robin Hood).

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
As crime units and crime tape surrounded the house, neighbors who knew the officer are perplexed.

— Anna Meiler, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of perplex

Verb

That’s a common sentiment from a touring superstar, but there’s a sense that Kahan really might be as happily bewildered as the rest of us about how songs this personal and cloudy came to captivate even sunny California.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
The threats are constantly evolving, layering upon themselves with bewildering speed.

— Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of bewilder

Verb

The scene never fails to baffle the senses as the path rises up about a thousand feet from the valley floor.

— Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
She is baffled by the way her friends Moe and Fumina rail against their parents, especially when Yuko is always holding back at home, forever walking on eggshells.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of baffle

Verb

However, the largest drop in June occurred among prime-age workers, leaving several economists puzzled and surprised.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Whether El Niño will continue to strengthen is something Cole and her colleagues’ records can’t answer, but scientists are using climate models to try to puzzle that out.

— Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of puzzle

Verb

Vincent Carchietta / Imagn Images via Reuters Connect NEW YORK — Tuesday night made the New York Yankees’ decision not to add at least one high-leverage reliever at the trade deadline look questionable at best, and befuddling at worst.

— Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Abbas Kiarostami did that in Taste of Cherry, which befuddled certain audiences but then also won the Palme d’Or in 1997.

— Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of befuddle

Browse Nearby Words

mystifies

mystify

mystifying

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“Mystify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystify. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mystify

verb

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