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.

Now, an international research team led by a Penn State physicist says the mystery appears to have been solved, and the answer supports existing physics rather than overturning it.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

Glenn Whipp says, “ ‘DTF St. Louis’ is the standout limited series, a murder mystery in form that’s really about suburban loneliness, particularly the isolation that can cripple middle-aged men.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

And "The Sheep Detectives," a family-friendly mystery film from Amazon MGM, finished in fifth place at $9.3 million.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

Mengele has been the subject of mystery, rumour and conspiracy for decades.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The Wall Street firms were largely a mystery to them.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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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