1
as in profound
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand
metaphysics is such an esoteric subject that most people are content to leave it to the philosophers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confidential
not known or meant to be known by the general populace
must have had some esoteric motive for leaving his art collection to a museum halfway around the globe
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of esoteric
Highly skilled left-footed centre-backs are esoteric, owing to their capacity to open up different passing lanes and enabling coaches to counteract an opponent’s press.
—
Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024
There are many different schools of numerology, such as the Pythagorean system and Chaldean method.
Wilder, who uses Chaldean numerology, says most esoteric sciences or spiritual fields – including palm reading or astrology – are based in numerology.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024
It’s also crafted from a rugged, 300-denier polyester PVC fabric that can handle everything from air travel to donkeys, yaks, and more esoteric (and hard-wearing) modes of transportation.
—Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024
That’s one takeaway from this sketch, in which Mescal is aghast that his friends have never heard of the esoteric multimedia force who dominates his Spotify Wrapped.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for esoteric 
Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 19 Dec. 2024
There are many different schools of numerology, such as the Pythagorean system and Chaldean method.
Wilder, who uses Chaldean numerology, says most esoteric sciences or spiritual fields – including palm reading or astrology – are based in numerology.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024
It’s also crafted from a rugged, 300-denier polyester PVC fabric that can handle everything from air travel to donkeys, yaks, and more esoteric (and hard-wearing) modes of transportation.
—Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024
That’s one takeaway from this sketch, in which Mescal is aghast that his friends have never heard of the esoteric multimedia force who dominates his Spotify Wrapped.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for esoteric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esoteric
Adjective
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an important update to its rules under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and the implications are profound.—
David Gasparyan,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
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James Kariuki, the United Kingdom’s deputy permanent representative to the U.N., said Haiti’s violence and political instability are having a profound effect on Haitians.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In a confidential advisory opinion dated May 15, 2019, the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board had told the then-mayor that taxpayers could cover salaries and overtime of officers, but not food, lodging and other costs.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
18 Jan. 2025
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The deputy, who has since been relieved of duty, also admitted to lying on a search warrant, writing a fake search warrant and using confidential law enforcement databases to find information about the crypto mogul’s foes.—
Keri Blakinger,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The movie centers on an eccentric lottery winner who invites his two favorite musicians to play a private show on his remote island.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
25 Jan. 2025
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Court records show that in 2023, Rodrigues pleaded guilty to seven counts of stalking, stalking with a prior conviction and disclosing private images, but a judge suspended his prison sentence, instead ordering him to serve probation, the newspaper reported.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In secret, many helped the Allies, including Breitling.—
Carol Besler,
Robb Report,
23 Jan. 2025
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Luckily, Noor heard through the grapevine about the ambassador’s secret meetings with an American in the intelligence community.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In the climax of Presence, Rebecca and Chris leave to seek legal counsel for her undisclosed criminal activity.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
27 Jan. 2025
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Neon purchased the film out of its festival premiere for an undisclosed figure.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
25 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near esoteric
Cite this Entry
“Esoteric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esoteric. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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