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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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 The leading lady is murdered, and Detective Frank Cioffi has to solve the mystery while her show tries to continue. —

Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026 The mystery of what happened to Jay Lee would haunt an entire community. —

Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026 This has been a long runway and the mystery around Amelia Earhart’s courageous iconic life endures. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026 There are many mysteries surrounding Big Ma’s Kitchen, which opened last spring in the former Jade BBQ and Seafood space on Garvey Avenue. —

Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mystery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystery

Noun

Speaking of enigmas, Katie Zelem plays for West Ham now on loan after less than five months with London City.

— Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Yet despite their impressive size, encounters with these enigmas remain exceedingly rare due to the myriad of challenges of studying deep-sea sharks.

— Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Definition of enigma

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 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of mystery

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