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

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

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 mystery Some eagle-eyed users sleuthed out her name, and noticed a connection to the Phoebe Bridgers universe when the mystery artist posted a photo with Bridgers’ longtime collaborators Marshall Vore and Harrison Whitford. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2026 Swift to help solve a mystery in a spoof that aired during Hargitay’s debut hosting stint at the 2026 award show. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026 This scavenger hunt invites guests to solve an attraction-wide mystery while uncovering the story behind the attraction’s wax figures. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 While many of the Middle East’s archaeological sites invoke pharaohs, Nabataeans, Romans, Islamic civilization, and Crusaders, the columns of Al-Rajajil are an echo of a prehistoric period wrapped in mystery. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mystery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystery

Noun

PBHs could help resolve other enigmas, too, for instance by acting as seeds for the rapid growth of supermassive black holes in the early universe.

— Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
After decades of perspective-shifting literary retellings like Wide Sargasso Sea and The Mists of Avalon and the current trend of feminist Greek myths, Cathy is an enigma begging for some traumatic backstory to staple her flaws together.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of enigma

Noun

Of course, if the trivia category is not your preferred flavor — as was the case for me with the legal terms in this puzzle — then the cookie dough lode can feel more like freezer burn to hack at with a spoon.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Unfortunately, Jenna sucks at puzzles, and Christian (who the editors are still not allowing to talk) is great at them.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of puzzle

Noun

Perhaps the three questions are not riddles to be solved once and closed.

— Regan Peng, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Finding Lahti’s family was the latest step in a half-century long effort to solve the riddle of what led to the veteran’s death from two bullet wounds to the head.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of riddle

Noun

The house holds the dangerous secrets of its inhabitants and is as much a character, so when the project was greenlit, finding the ideal dwelling was key to creating the right mysterious-yet-sexy atmosphere the narrative required.

— Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
The way secrets can either pull people close or push them away is an enticing paradox.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of secret

Noun

Although the problem warrants a systemic fix, the best short-term solution is for hospitals to create more nuanced documentation tools, and for clinicians to exercise judgment when using them.

— Leah Pierson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
Pennsylvania and New York are not the only states with a growing problem.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of problem

Browse Nearby Words

mysteriousness

mystery

mystic

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“Mystery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystery. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mystery

noun

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