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 The Portuguese star raised questions about his future with a cryptic social media post last month. —Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to ‘find the accountant,’ Wolff is compelled to solve the case. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 On Thursday, May 29, the 20-year-old shared a cryptic message on Instagram Stories. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 30 May 2025 Before Tessitore and Barrett could finish arguing, the screen cut out to a cryptic promo from Uncle Howdy, who teased coming after the Tag Team Titles. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 May 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
  • Four thousand years ago, however, Crete was also a crossroads dominated by a mysterious and largely still poorly understood Bronze Age culture that predated classical Greece.
    — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The movie is led by Tom Hiddleston as the titular, mysterious Chuck Krantz, with a supporting cast that includes Mark Hamill, Mia Sara, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Matthew Lillard, Annalise Basso and Kate Siegel.
    — Jen Juneau, People.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • Without a clear roadmap, friendship breakups often feel ambiguous, or sometimes lead to unnecessary hurt.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The Food and Drug Administration’s April 22 news release contains some ambiguous language.
    — Andrea Ruth, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • In a quaint village nestled high in the Swiss alps, an enigmatic domed building towers above the sloped rooftops.
    — Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The invisible legacy In the end, Sara is left with one last crucial gift from her mentor, Massimiliano—a CD with an enigmatic message.
    — Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 3 June 2025
Definition of enigmatic
Adjective
  • The banner offers a peek into a relatively obscure group during a critical moment in American history.
    — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
  • The other is a bit more obscure: Juan Samuel, with 70 extra-base hits and 72 steals as a Phillies rookie in 1984.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • Wilson demonstrated an uncanny gift for harmonic invention and complex vocal and instrumental arrangements.
    — Roy Trakin, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025
  • Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, there is a reason this haunting, uncanny novel has such enduring appeal.
    — Miriam Gershow June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
Definition of uncanny
Adjective
  • Dark Universe is home to one of the greatest dark rides of all time.
    — Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 3 June 2025
  • Both were crucial mental health resources during that dark time, and both found a wider embrace online for their niche comic sensibilities.
    — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • This book contains the first English translation of the writings of af Klint, a Swedish painter and mystic.
    — Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
  • The author also varies the texture of the book by inserting poems, quotations, dramatic dialogue, a veiled account of her unhappy days at boarding school, and a lengthy digression on the German mystic Friederike Hauffe, who claimed to be clairvoyant and to communicate with spirits.
    — James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 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 17 Jun. 2025.

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