What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sphinxlike
Example
She gave me a sphinxlike smile, and I couldn't tell what she was thinking. [sphinxlike: adjective]
Example
The politician's sphinxlike response left the reporters confused and frustrated. [sphinxlike: adjective]
mysterious
Example
The old mansion had a mysterious aura that made me feel uneasy. [mysterious: adjective]
Example
He had a mysterious past that no one knew about. [mysterious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mysterious is more commonly used than sphinxlike in everyday language. Mysterious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sphinxlike is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sphinxlike and mysterious?
Sphinxlike is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while mysterious can be used in both formal and informal contexts.