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

By coincidence, the book is also a mystery that its characters set out to solve.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

One bright spring morning he appears, as quickly and oddly as a desert chill, sitting calmly in front of his locker, October’s mystery hero, alone, in full view, finally.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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

The mystery grew with their every attempt to speak with Greenberg.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Vocabulary lists containing mystery

September Words

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Literary Genres - Introductory

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Reading: Literature - Literary Genres - Introductory

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!