Synonyms for

Mysterious

Verb / mɪˈstɪri:ʌs / Another word for mysterious — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify

Synonyms & similar words

occult cryptic cryptical mystical deep mystic secret mystifying orphic inscrutable enigmatic cryptic puzzling inexplicable unfathomable perplexing ambiguous obscure uncanny strange weird baffling bewildering confounding unexplainable unaccountable shadowy opaque inscrutable impenetrable

Synonyms by register

Formal

enigmatic inscrutable arcane abstruse

Informal

weird strange odd puzzling

Literary

shadowy veiled cryptic

Antonyms

known obvious clear plain explained understood familiar

Common collocations

  • mysterious circumstances
  • mysterious disappearance
  • mysterious object
  • mysterious force
  • mysterious smile
  • mysterious ways
  • mysterious illness

Word family

noun mystery
adverb mysteriously

Usage note

Mysterious often implies something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. It can carry a sense of intrigue or wonder, but also sometimes unease.

Example sentences

  1. The disappearance of the treasure from the museum is still a mysterious case.
  2. The old man in the corner of the room had a mysterious aura around him.
  3. The stranger had a mysterious accent that no one could place.
  4. The forest was full of mysterious sounds that made the hikers uneasy.
  5. The book had a mysterious ending that left the readers wanting more.

Quotes

  • The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. - Albert Einstein
  • The mysterious is always attractive. People will always follow a vail. - Bede Jarrett
  • There is nothing quite so mysterious as a human heart. - Michael Cunningham

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