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 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 Related Stories The murders had mystified police and haunted the victims’ families for more than three decades. — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mystify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystify

Verb

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
The Brazil midfielder has expressed a desire to join Arsenal, but Newcastle did not want to sell him this summer and have been perplexed by the lack of direct contact from the London club.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of perplex

Verb

The Studio Behind The Technology Annapurna Studios (not to be confused with the Megan Ellison-founded Annapurna Pictures in Hollywood) has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema for half a century.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
But there is the risk that his strategy will backfire by confusing investors.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of confuse

Verb

The fire chief, Gene Perreault, who was there during the walk-through, tells me the piles puzzled investigators.

— Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
It's become a world of quick and easy solutions for life's puzzling issues; seemingly solving them in 45 seconds or using household remedies.

— John Shumway, CBS News, 5 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

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mystifies

mystify

mystifying

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“Mystify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystify. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of mystify

verb

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