as in to perplex
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
we were mystified by the sudden changes in the tax code
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mystify
The 80-minute doc is currently in production and delves into the mystifying world of infamous art, wealth and power.
—
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 June 2025
My wall craves narrative but also knows that human behavior can be mystifying, and that attempting to make order from chaos is doomed to fail.
—Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025
Some things that had initially mystified him, like the tendency for pedestrians in Cambridge to cross streets against traffic lights, eventually bothered him less.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 3 June 2025
His commitment to his craft was mystifying to behold.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 June 2025
My wall craves narrative but also knows that human behavior can be mystifying, and that attempting to make order from chaos is doomed to fail.
—Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025
Some things that had initially mystified him, like the tendency for pedestrians in Cambridge to cross streets against traffic lights, eventually bothered him less.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 3 June 2025
His commitment to his craft was mystifying to behold.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mystify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mystify
Verb
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Through the years, dozens of actresses have portrayed Superman's love interest and confidante Lois Lane, an award-winning reporter both perplexed and entranced by the man also (secretly) known as Clark Kent.—
Grace Gavilanes,
People.com,
11 July 2025
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The aftermath What perplexes her, Nicole Fech said, is that Anderson went out of her way to call the camp a year and a half after the family left the church.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Amazon $650 Samsung $650 Best Buy Not to be confused with the Galaxy S24 series, this midrange smartphone from late 2024 has some elements of the flagship phone, but makes some sacrifices to get the price down.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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Currently, the site has a wall with three holes, which has confused residents.—
Kamal Morgan
July 10,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Lynskey says she’s been bewildered by the fans who’ve directed online vitriol at Shauna this season, while seemingly forgiving the sins of Shauna’s husband Jeff (Warren Cole) and the heinous crimes committed by Misty (Christina Ricci).—
Todd Longwell,
Variety,
2 June 2025
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Both were bewildered by this fashion design travesty.—
Sherry Kuehl,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
Verb
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But Bird also throws a devastating slider to right-handers and a curveball that can baffle.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
28 June 2025
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The sheriff is as baffled as anyone else, wondering how anyone as recognizable as Roy could disappear in plain sight.—
Dateline NBC,
NBC news,
25 June 2025
Verb
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The first set was particularly puzzling, with de Minaur breaking Djokovic’s serve three times to take a one-set lead in the match.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
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Dutch Freiberger told The Republic at the time that he was puzzled by how his son could have walked to the quarry completely nude.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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The mix of the slow-motion roll of the ball with the studs of his right boot to befuddle poor Axel Disasi and the thunderous power of the left-foot finish past the head of Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was pure poetry.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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As the celebrations flowed with Champagne and a decadent pâtisserie bar, Running Point star Chet Hanks was spotted roaming the venue, looking slightly befuddled.—
Rachel Marlowe,
Vogue,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mystify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mystify. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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