as in to perplex
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
we were mystified by the sudden changes in the tax code
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mystify
Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis allegedly dispensed the substance at West Florence High School in Florence, South Carolina, over a nearly monthlong span, leaving school officials mystified as to the origin of the foul odor, the Florence County Sheriff's office said in a statement.
—
Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Hermit is singular in the show, finding himself at a crossroads between the human characters intent on science and profit and the synthetic characters who mystify and trouble him.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Swartz was mystified by the package.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
This moth’s extraordinary navigational abilities have mystified scientists for many decades.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025
Hermit is singular in the show, finding himself at a crossroads between the human characters intent on science and profit and the synthetic characters who mystify and trouble him.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Swartz was mystified by the package.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
This moth’s extraordinary navigational abilities have mystified scientists for many decades.
—Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystify
Verb
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Illston appeared frustrated and perplexed by the government's unwillingness to engage on the merits during the hearing.—
Andrea Hsu,
NPR,
15 Oct. 2025
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The 18 runs plundered off one over was the most Jasprit Bumrah had ever conceded in Tests, leaving the bowler perplexed as he was replaced.—
Sam Dalling,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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One of the higher-ups felt my title Stairway to Heaven would be confused with the 1939 movie of the same name.—
Cameron Crowe,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
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Historically, people disguised themselves in mystical and mythical ensembles time of year in order to confuse ghosts and deter them from wreaking havoc; the Celts even carved faces into vegetables to keep the entities away from their food.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Nandi is experiencing severe insomnia, tremors and psychosis, and her quickly deteriorating condition bewilders the emergency room staff.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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Gelles avoids lionizing Patagonia’s leader, describing Chouinard’s mercurial leadership style that often bewildered his staff at Patagonia.—
Maya Silver,
Outside,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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He was baffled as if there does not appear to be any point of access for an animal the size of a ground hog.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
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She was baffled by his sudden enterprise.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Actors’ Equity membership puzzled me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Oct. 2025
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There was, however, one puzzling factor.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And the offensive operation looked much smoother, as Payton meshed the Colts to death and befuddled their defense on a second-quarter touchdown in which tight end Adam Trautman split out wide.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Sep. 2025
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Stainton Williams has been similarly befuddled by his interactions with Citizens.—
Mario Ariza,
ProPublica,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mystify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystify. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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