Definitions

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.

That same year, a documentary titled “David Allan Coe: The Mysterious Rhinestone” was released featuring the singer performing “33rd of August” from a prison cell at the Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

In 1538 Fray Marcos de Niza set out from Mexico City, the capital of New Spain, to investigate rumors that the Seven Cities lay somewhere in El Norte Misterioso, the Mysterious North.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Mysterious forces seek to quiet the talking animals of Oz, who preach freedom and unity.

From Salon • Nov. 19, 2024

But for Christie's fans, The Mysterious Affair at Styles will always occupy a special place in this grisly canon.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2024

He was good to me, and also showed my room while I was out to thrill-seekers for a small fee: See the Mysterious Envoy’s room!

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Vocabulary lists containing mysterious

Purple Hibiscus

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It's All a Blur: Synonyms for "Unclear"

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Schooled

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