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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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 Unlike the first two installments, Silo season 3 features a split-timeline narrative that introduces a host of new characters and delves into the mystery of the silo's origins. — Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Seeking a fresh start, Ellie moves into a house on Delaney Row hoping to leave her troubled past behind, only to discover that her new home is steeped in dark secrets and unsettling mysteries. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 The complex, shrouded in mystery, is at least 2,3000 acres and has garnered controversy for being located on a native burial site, Wired reported last year. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 July 2026 However, it is barred from coordinating with individual campaigns or national Republican committees, which adds to the sense of mystery surrounding its plans. — Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mystery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystery

Noun

SpaceX, however, took the flexible lockup approach, wrapped it in a puzzle, strapped it to an enigma, and sent it to live in a colony on Mars.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 3 July 2026
In 2024, now grown and with her adoptive father’s approval, the young woman sets off with a wealthy merchant to piece together the historical enigmas surrounding the ancient Sumpa kingdom.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2026

Definition of enigma

Noun

Roads a riddle near Micron plants So far, though, there are scant few homes in the area the city calls East Columbia, though interest in developing the area has piqued along with Micron’s fabs.

— Mark Dee July 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026
This Father's Day, break out these silly (and slightly cringe-y) one-liners, puns, riddles, and jokes.

— Jamie Fischer, Parents, 20 June 2026

Definition of riddle

Noun

The book, which reveals many family secrets, talks about her parents’ relationship before and after the divorce and describes details of the murder.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 7 July 2026
The film is a modern take on creature horror movies told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.

— Justin Kroll, Deadline, 7 July 2026

Definition of secret

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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of mystery

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