mystique

noun

mys·​tique mi-ˈstēk How to pronounce mystique (audio)
Synonyms of mystiquenext
1
: an air or attitude of mystery (see mystery entry 1 sense 1) and reverence developing around something or someone
the legendary singer's mystique
the mystique of the liturgy
2
: the special esoteric skill essential in a calling or activity
the mystique of yoga
the mystique of hang gliding

Examples of mystique in a Sentence

There's a certain mystique to people who fight fires. No one has been able to copy the legendary singer's mystique. the mystique of mountain climbing
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As with any prestige product or famous brand, many stories have been created around champagne, sometimes to increase the mystique, sometimes in an effort to explain things that are not easy to understand, sometimes to make complicated things simple. — Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 Over the past six weeks, his humanity broke through the gates of his mystique. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026 Adding to the film’s mystique is Nolan’s reliance on old-school Hollywood practical effects, such as his use of puppetry, animatronics and robotics in scenes with the Cyclops, as well as a real Viking boat that the actors learned to sail. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026 Brown doesn’t share much about his personal life with his followers, but that only adds to his mystique. — Leslie Horn Peterson, Time, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mystique

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, derivative of mystique, adjective, "magical, mystical," going back to Middle French, "having a hidden meaning," borrowed from Latin mysticus "secret" — more at mystic entry 1

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mystique was in 1891

Rhymes for mystique

See All Rhymes for mystique

Browse Nearby Words

mystifyingly
mystique
myth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mystique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mystique. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mystique

noun
mys·​tique mis-ˈtēk How to pronounce mystique (audio)
: an attitude of mystery and respect developing around something or someone
the mystique of mountain climbing

More from Merriam-Webster on mystique

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mystique

Nglish: Translation of mystique for Spanish Speakers

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