cryptic

adjective

ˈkrip-tik How to pronounce cryptic (audio)
Definition of crypticnext
1
as in mysterious
being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain puzzled by the cryptic e-mail message left on his computer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning the oracle offered only cryptic predictions that could be interpreted any number of different ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cryptic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cryptic are ambiguous, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When is it sensible to use ambiguous instead of cryptic?

While the synonyms ambiguous and cryptic are close in meaning, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

In what contexts can dark take the place of cryptic?

The words dark and cryptic can be used in similar contexts, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

When might enigmatic be a better fit than cryptic?

The words enigmatic and cryptic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When can equivocal be used instead of cryptic?

Although the words equivocal and cryptic have much in common, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When would obscure be a good substitute for cryptic?

While in some cases nearly identical to cryptic, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When could vague be used to replace cryptic?

The synonyms vague and cryptic are sometimes interchangeable, but vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cryptic As in her apocalypse play Escaped Alone, Churchill builds up currents of cryptic peril underneath casual banter. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025 You’re tuned in to what is usually cryptic when Mercury meets Neptune. —Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 The noise got loud enough that Hall caught wind and posted a cryptic photo of a monkey smoking a cigarette and looking at a cellphone, likely mocking the idea. —Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Even Elon Musk slammed protectionist Trump adviser Peter Navarro, and tweeted cryptic but clearly pro-free-trade clips. —Axios, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cryptic
  1. mysterious
  2. ambiguous
  3. enigmatic
  4. obscure
  5. uncanny
  6. dark
  7. mystic
Adjective
  • Some people are already well aware of Norse Atlantic, despite the company’s somewhat mysterious profile.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Nathan Carman died by suicide in his jail cell in 2023 as the prime suspect in his mother’s mysterious 2016 drowning death at sea — and in the 2013 shooting death of his wealthy grandfather.
    — KC Baker, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • But the scene itself could be read as a little ambiguous, too: is Sammie trying to pierce the veil again, playing a song that could both foster community but also bring back the vampires?
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • As the days turned into weeks, the reality of her situation remained ambiguous.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Julianne Moore toes the line between enigmatic socialite and cult leader in the new trailer for Sirens, a new limited series premiering May 22 on Netflix.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The city—ever elegant, ever enigmatic—set the stage for one of the magazine’s most iconic stories: The Last Waltz, Mario Testino’s sweeping September 2006 editorial starring Natalia Vodianova as a modern-day empress gliding through Schönbrunn and beyond.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of enigmatic
Adjective
  • These renderings obscure just how much conventional warfare took place in Vietnam.
    — Made by History, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Parsing a FromSoftware game's obscure plot is as tricky as taking down its brutal enemies.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • Whether Daboll possesses an uncanny ability to identify franchise quarterbacks or just got lucky with Allen, the Dart pick will at least provide an answer.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Born in Odessa, Texas, Kyle grew up hunting with his father and quickly discovered his uncanny aim.
    — Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of uncanny
Adjective
  • While the show’s tone is more bright and upbeat than its original sources, the scope of the musical has also been widened to reveal dark complexities in the world of the undocumented.
    — Frank Rizzo, Variety, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Shows this dark need moments of beauty, and this episode provided those in spades.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • According to Nutritionists By Brianna Peters In an era when nearly everything feels politicized and uncertain, these mystic tools offer something precious: a means of reconnecting with ourselves.
    — Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In the West, she’s been sanctified, but also portrayed as a sinner, a nun, a mystic, and Jesus’ wife.
    — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of mystic

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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