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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 cryptic response from Sirianni is worrisome, especially since the Eagles are preparing to make a deep playoff run. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 And with the help of their shy, flora-loving neighbour, Gabe, and his sister, Sam, a geologist who is driving back to college in Arizona, Zed and company are soon off on a wild adventure following cryptic clues. Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 26 Dec. 2024 Hill spoke to the media following the loss, offering cryptic responses about the future of his playing for the Dolphins. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 On Monday, the actor shared a cryptic post on his Instagram about his decision to pass on the role of Neo in the original Matrix with a few interesting questions. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cryptic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cryptic
Adjective
  • The groundbreaking find, the researchers claim, could reshape our understanding of the universe and its most powerful and mysterious signals.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Several years later, Hoffa disappeared under mysterious circumstances and was never seen again.
    David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The forensic evidence might have been ambiguous, but Barnhorst said one thing seemed clear.
    Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Near the end of the film, a few distinctly uncomfortable scenes steer us toward a heavier, more ambiguous tone.
    Sadie Collins, Them, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Orchestrating 360 campaigns can become enigmatic in such situations, especially as businesses sell to new-age buyers.
    Runki Goswami, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • These developments amount to a series that remains fascinatingly enigmatic but that accords a mite more heart and humanity to its characters.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Both parties have spent much of the 21st century using what had been obscure procedural tactics to delay or slowly derail presidential nominees for Cabinet posts, regulatory agency boards and federal judgeships.
    Ed O'Keefe, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The recent wildfires shine a spotlight on an obscure firefighting charity.
    Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The video brings to mind the claims made in Mark Fisher’s Capitalist Realism, in which Fisher proposed that capitalism has the uncanny ability to subsume all critiques into itself.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • When spending time with them, Brunelle observed uncanny similarities in their behavior and interests.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Share [Findings] Juvenile Japanese eels can escape from the stomachs of dark sleepers by pushing their tails back through the fish’s esophagus and out its gills.
    Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The Hughes Fire broke out in the late morning and within hours charred more than 15 square miles of trees and brush, sending up plumes of dark smoke near Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area about 40 miles from the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires that are burning for a third week.
    Marcio Jose Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Healy Lake members have long considered their dogs to be mystic companions, according to Combs.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2024
  • But there is also the slow minimalism of Morton Feldman and the manic yet patient seeking of Italy’s mystic count Giacinto Scelsi, in the twentieth century.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near cryptic

Cite this Entry

“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cryptic

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