mysterious

[mi-steer-ee-uhs] / mɪˈstɪər i əs /

ADJECTIVE

obscure, puzzing, suggesting a mystery

Synonyms

STRONGEST

baffling cryptic curious dark enigmatic inexplicable inscrutable magical mystical mystifying obscure perplexing puzzling secretive strange unknown weird

WEAK

abstruse alchemistic arcane astrological cabalistic covert difficult eldritch enigmatical equivocal esoteric furtive hidden impenetrable incomprehensible insoluble necromantic occult oracular recondite sphinxlike spiritual subjective symbolic transcendental uncanny unfathomable unknowable unnatural veiled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apparent bright clear comprehendible comprehensible evident familiar intelligible known normal obvious plain regular usual visible

WEAK

public straightforward tangible unmysterious

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.

Finally, the hosts delve into the New York Times’ quest to uncover the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, and argue over the investigation’s conclusion.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

Unfounded claims that the Artemis II mission detected a mysterious moving object on the moon's surface also racked up millions of views across platforms.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

God may work in mysterious ways, but apparently he is still working.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

While Decurion may be operating within its rights as owner of the property, its secretive and mysterious business practices have increasingly angered film fans concerned about the future of moviegoing in the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

A later edition included four pages of “Additional Facts,” including the mysterious appearance of “a turnip covered with minute, multitudinous, and most beautifully formed mesmeric characters.”

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Vocabulary lists containing mysterious

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Schooled

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