mystify

verb

ˈmi-stə-ˌfī How to pronounce mystify (audio)
Definition of mystifynext
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

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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 The delay has mystified many fans, even leading one group to study it. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 13 July 2026 The longevity industry profits from mystifying the obvious, but Emanuel largely dispenses with pretense. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 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
  1. perplex
  2. confuse
  3. bewilder
  4. baffle
  5. puzzle
  6. befuddle
Verb
  • As crime units and crime tape surrounded the house, neighbors who knew the officer are perplexed.
    — Anna Meiler, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Gibson Nash, 21, was charged with first-degree murder after a series of perplexing events eventually led police to his mother’s bloodied body.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of perplex
Verb
  • The unnamed species was apparently a victim of a creature known as a Manhunter — not to be confused with the cartoons’ friendly, green, Oreo-munching Martian Manhunter.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • While preparing to enter the state in February, Buc-ee’s sued the northern Ohio holding company for Mickey Mart gas stations, arguing its Mickey the Moose logo could be confused with Buc-ee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of confuse
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
  • Shortstop Jeremy Peña’s puzzling decision not to attempt a throw home as the go-ahead run scored only exacerbated matters.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • As the days get shorter and cooler, a simple evening spent puzzling, snacking, and talking may be exactly the kind of gathering everyone needs.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of puzzle
Verb
  • 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
  • Not doing so left some members of the Astros’ organization befuddled, according to multiple team sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss trade talks.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of befuddle

Browse Nearby Words

mystifies
mystify
mystifying
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Cite this Entry

“Mystify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystify. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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