Definitions

mystery

[mis-tuh-ree, -tree] / ˈmɪs tə ri, -tri /

NOUN

puzzle, secret

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conundrum enigma problem question riddle secrecy subtlety thriller

STRONG

abstruseness charade chiller cliffhanger crux cryptogram difficulty grabber inscrutability mystification occult oracle perplexity poser puzzlement rebus rune sphinx stickler stumper teaser twister whodunit why

WEAK

brainteaser braintwister closed book inscrutableness mindboggler sixty-four thousand dollar question tough nut to crack

Antonyms

WEAK

known understanding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Solving the Dolomite Problem does more than explain a geological mystery.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

But Becker had a gift for finding the market inside any mystery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

She sets out with her brother and two friends to solve the mystery.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, was reported missing in 2024 from the Inland Empire, according to authorities, but her whereabouts since then remained a mystery.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Elisha had thought that Catholic rituals might suit her interest in mystery, acting as a bridge away from Spiritualism.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Vocabulary lists containing mystery

September Words

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Literary Genres - Introductory

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Reading: Literature - Literary Genres - Introductory

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