mysterious

[mi-steer-ee-uhs]

adjective

1. full of, characterized by, or involving mystery.

   a mysterious occurrence.

   Synonyms: cryptic, occult, esoteric, secret

2. implying or suggesting a mystery.

   a mysterious smile.

3. of obscure nature, meaning, origin, etc.; puzzling; inexplicable.

   a mysterious inscription on the ancient tomb.

   Synonyms: impenetrable, enigmatic, incomprehensible, unintelligible, unfathomable

mysterious

/ mɪˈstɪərɪəs /

adjective

1. characterized by or indicative of mystery

2. puzzling, curious, or enigmatic

Other Word Forms

• mysteriously adverb
• mysteriousness noun
• quasi-mysterious adjective
• quasi-mysteriously adverb
• unmysterious adjective
• unmysteriously adverb
• unmysteriousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mysterious¹

First recorded in 1610–20; mystery ¹ + -ous

Synonym Study

Mysterious, inscrutable, mystical, obscure refer to that which is not easily comprehended or explained. That which is mysterious, by being unknown or puzzling, excites curiosity, amazement, or awe: a mysterious disease. Inscrutable applies to that which is impenetrable, so enigmatic that one cannot interpret its significance: an inscrutable smile. That which is mystical has a secret significance, such as that attaching to certain rites or signs: mystical symbols. That which is obscure is discovered or comprehended dimly or with difficulty: obscure motives.

Example Sentences

Ray’s mysterious and fraught history as a member of the British military during the Troubles is a festering boil this film will eventually lance.

From Los Angeles Times

It feels as if my diet has gone from bountiful to bland, my prospects from mysterious to mundane.

From Los Angeles Times

Imagine you’ve finally taken your car to the mechanic to investigate that mysterious warning light that’s been flashing on your dashboard for the past week and a half.

From Los Angeles Times

Police said the "mysterious trafficking syndicate" was luring Kenyans with job offers in Moscow, only to send them to fight for the Russian military in Ukraine.

From BBC

On Thursday, the Mariners launched a search for the mysterious stranger who had gifted the ball to someone he had never met.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• baffling 
• cryptic 
• curious 
• dark 
• enigmatic 
• inexplicable 
• inscrutable 
• magical 
• mystical 
• mystifying www.thesaurus.com
• obscure 
• perplexing 
• puzzling 
• secretive 
• strange 
• unknown 
• weird