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.

The BBC has contacted the FBI, which has with Pima County spent months investigating the elder Guthrie's mysterious abduction from her home near Tucson, Arizona.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

The finding provides important evidence that could help explain where many of the Universe's mysterious high-energy neutrinos originate.

From Science Daily • Jun. 19, 2026

The ledger also lists Doha, Qatar, as the address for a mysterious entity called AM FIG Cayman Limited, which invested around $10 million in 2020.

From Salon • Jun. 19, 2026

But he found each experience different: The monochrome was mysterious and dangerous, while the color was glamorous and romantic.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

Finally, a lot of people will say the Mona Lisa is famous for her mysterious smile.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary lists containing mysterious

Purple Hibiscus

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!

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

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!

Schooled

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!