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.

Down a narrow alley right next door is the more esoteric Mystery Pier Books, which specializes in first editions and is beloved by celebrities.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The Mikaela Shiffrin Magical Mystery Tour is officially over with a shiny Italian victory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

There’s a series of graphic novels called “Hobtown Mystery Stories” that are like, what if David Lynch wrote Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew-style teen detective books?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Mystery surrounds the appearance of hundreds of Victorian hobnailed shoes which have washed ashore on a beach.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2025

“The other was in juvenile fiction. Nancy Drew: The Mystery at Lilac Inn.'”

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein

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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