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.

"Exactly what components of dietary fat cause cancer has remained a mystery," Ruiz adds.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

While the research has been hailed as a significant "rediscovery", mystery remains around the meaning behind the art.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

And ChatGPT maker OpenAI is working with renowned industrial designer Jony Ive on a mystery device for interacting with AI, expected to be ready by next year.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Peacock is aiming to crack the limited series categories with hit mystery “All Her Fault” starring Sarah Snook, and is also hoping ongoing series including “Ted,” “Ponies” and “The Paper” will break through.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

“Stonehenge Court or Street or something like that—I remember thinking that someone involved in a mystery should have a mysterious address like that.”

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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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