mystifier
- noun
- /ˈmɪstɪˌfaɪər/
:
enigma
- That riddle was such a mystifier that we spent hours debating its answer.
Examples
-
The new riddle was a real mystifier for the students.
-
The crossword in today's paper is a real mystifier for even the best solvers.
-
She enjoys tackling any mystifier that comes her way, whether it's a puzzle or a complex mystery.
-
Why is this puzzle such a mystifier?
-
The riddle was a true mystifier; no one could solve it, despite their best efforts.
-
The magician's tricks were a constant mystifier for the audience, leaving them in awe.
-
Finding the right solution to the complex equation turned out to be a real mystifier for the students.
Synonyms
660
4.7
Something that is hard to understand or explain
610
1.9
A game or problem that tests how well you think
45
8.5
A confusing problem or question that is hard to solve
5
6.7
A difficult question or problem for people to solve
4
6.3
A tricky question or puzzle that tests your skill
4
7.7
A problem that is hard to understand or solve
1
8.8
A person or thing that is hard to understand and confuses people
Antonyms
How Puzzling
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Mystifier comes from the same part as mystery and the verb mystify, all from an old idea of a 'secret'. So mystify means 'make secret' and the -er ending means 'a thing or person that does it', which is why a mystifier is a 'secret-maker' — a puzzling or baffling problem.