CRYPTIC Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

cryptic

adjective

ˈkrip-tik

Definition of cryptic next

as in mysterious

being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain puzzled by the cryptic e-mail message left on his computer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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 At the end of the video, Swift shows a clip from their appearance on the Graham Norton Show in which Gleeson jokes about wanting to star in a music video and Swift giving a surprised, but cryptic smile. —

Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026 Bryony hopes that sharing her story will help spread awareness about cryptic pregnancies, or stealth pregnancies. —

Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026 Disco, Occasionally, the British superstar’s fourth studio album that’s been teased via a creeping, ongoing rollout with cryptic posters, a WhatsApp chat, listening sessions in indie record shops and a series of city residencies in place of a sprawling global tour. —

Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 The announcement of a new tour and album comes weeks after Styles teased devotees with posters, videos, a cryptic website and an intriguing song snippet starting in late December. —

Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cryptic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cryptic

Adjective

For several months, a mysterious sign displayed in the windows of vacant storefront in Shorewood has intrigued passersby along Capitol Drive.

— Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
To anyone who's gotten a bill three months after treatment only to find mysterious charges, the idea seemed intuitive.

— Darius Tahir, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of mysterious

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crypt

cryptic

cryptonym

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“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

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