Thesaurus results for MYSTERY

Q: How does the noun 'mystery' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mystery are enigma , problem , puzzle , and riddle . While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation. // the mystery of the stone monoliths

Q: Where would 'enigma' be a reasonable alternative to 'mystery'?

While the synonyms enigma and mystery are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret. // his suicide remains an enigma

Q: When might 'problem' be a better fit than 'mystery'?

The words problem and mystery can be used in similar contexts, but problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern. // problems created by high technology

Q: When is 'puzzle' a more appropriate choice than 'mystery'?

The synonyms puzzle and mystery are sometimes interchangeable, but puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution. // the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

Q: When is it sensible to use 'riddle' instead of 'mystery'?

Although the words riddle and mystery have much in common, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction. // the riddle of the reclusive pop star

mystery

noun

ˈmi-st(ə-)rē

Definition of mystery next

as in enigma

something hard to understand or explain why my sister married that guy is still a mystery to my parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mystery differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mystery are enigma, problem, puzzle, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

Where would enigma be a reasonable alternative to mystery?

While the synonyms enigma and mystery are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

When might problem be a better fit than mystery?

The words problem and mystery can be used in similar contexts, but problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

When is puzzle a more appropriate choice than mystery?

The synonyms puzzle and mystery are sometimes interchangeable, but puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

When is it sensible to use riddle instead of mystery?

Although the words riddle and mystery have much in common, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

Examples 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 mystery Similar protective markings have been identified at other sites in Britain, but the circumstances surrounding their existence are still something of a mystery. —

Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 Read more about the mystery of psychedelics Have questions, comments, or ideas? —

Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 The second annual event is modeled after the Netflix hit, which centers around the haves (Kooks) and the have-nots (Pogues), who are going through teenager-hood while on an island solving murders and mysteries. —

Anaja I. Smith, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024 Where the people who were buried at the site lived is still something of a mystery. —

Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mystery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystery

Noun

Margherita was very good at being present but always an enigma.

Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
The Philadelphia enigma has been one of the biggest stars in rap over the last near decade, but there has been a decline in sales and music quality.

Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 1 Nov. 2024