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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mystify
Hermit is singular in the show, finding himself at a crossroads between the human characters intent on science and profit and the synthetic characters who mystify and trouble him.
—
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Swartz was mystified by the package.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Swartz was mystified by the package.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystify
Verb
-
Illston appeared frustrated and perplexed by the government's unwillingness to engage on the merits during the hearing.—
Andrea Hsu,
NPR,
15 Oct. 2025
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The 18 runs plundered off one over was the most Jasprit Bumrah had ever conceded in Tests, leaving the bowler perplexed as he was replaced.—
Sam Dalling,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But too often, this instinct to chase conflict distorts reality and confuses the public.—
Nancy Gibbs,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
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This view confuses structure with behavior.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The sense of arbitrariness that had previously bewildered and frustrated me was drowned out by excitement and sheer aesthetic pleasure.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
7 Oct. 2025
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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
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But the immediacy around these conversations about the Titans are baffling to me.—
Nick Suss,
Nashville Tennessean,
13 Oct. 2025
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And suddenly, Glenn and the Jets headed to halftime without running a play in the nearly 40 seconds at their disposal, a move that baffled both their loyalists in New Jersey and the Broncos’ sideline across the pond.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The statues, which were carved and placed on the South Pacific's Easter Island between the 12th and 17th centuries, have puzzled travelers since the first European contact was made there in 1722.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
19 Oct. 2025
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From tug-of-war and indoor fetch to puzzle toys and hide-and-seek, these games offer physical and cognitive engagement without stepping out the door.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
USA Today,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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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 22 Oct. 2025.
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