mysterious
[mi-steer-ee-uh s]
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Origin of mysterious
Synonyms
See more synonyms for mysterious on Thesaurus.com1. secret, esoteric, occult, cryptic. 3. unfathomable, unintelligible, incomprehensible, enigmatic, impenetrable.
Synonym study
1. 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for mysteriously
Contemporary Examples
Exactly one month after the first straw goat was erected in Gävle, it was mysteriously burned to a crisp.
Last year, the Home Office said the dossier had mysteriously disappeared from the archives.
Many of the quotes are mysteriously sourced, apocryphal, or misattributed.
However, when the Red Army reached Königsberg in 1945, the Amber Room had mysteriously vanished.
The Biggest Art Heist of WWII is Still UnsolvedOctober 15, 2014
The first group of whom were mysteriously attacked behind Ukrainian lines near Olginka on August 5.
Ukrainian Troops Retreat From Russian Border, Leaving 100 Kilometers Open to InvasionPierre Vaux
August 12, 2014
Historical Examples
His eyes sought for sign of his goddess, who had disappeared most mysteriously.
Chip, of the Flying UB. M. Bower
Poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese.
Alarms and DiscursionsG. K. Chesterton
He is mysteriously above as well as before you, by this fact, that he has died.
A Dish Of OrtsGeorge MacDonald
Mrs. Blair's tones were mysteriously, ironically significant.
The Innocent AdventuressMary Hastings Bradley
"She wants you," said Primmie, mysteriously, her eyes shining with excitement.
Galusha the MagnificentJoseph C. Lincoln
mysterious
- characterized by or indicative of mystery
- puzzling, curious, or enigmatic
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for mysteriously
mysterious
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper