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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 Tell me more about the album’s title—is it supposed to be a little cryptic? Liam Hess, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025 Prologue was first announced in 2019 with a cryptic trailer that showed a first-person view of a storm crashing through a dark forest. Issy Van Der Velde, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2025 The day after the birth of the baby was announced, the seven-time Super Bowl champion posted a cryptic message on his Instagram Story. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 Gaga recently updated her website to include a cryptic game, where users are encouraged to click and drag across a sea of floating letters to reveal short sentences, which fans believe to be lyrics off her forthcoming album. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cryptic
Adjective
  • Researchers in northern Denmark have unearthed evidence of a mysterious circle of wooden posts dating back 4,000 years.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The Scholars, out May 2 on Matador Records, features at least a dozen distinct characters, in settings that include a mysterious university and a clown school.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has not commented on the military base plan specifically but delivered an ambiguous answer this week to a question regarding the use of private companies to assist with deportations.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The film has proven divisive, though, with some audiences puzzled by its breakneck tonal shifts and ambiguous ending.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite its enigmatic nature, Rafflesia species have long been used for medicinal purposes by Indigenous Peoples and, more recently, as a source of revenue generated by ecotourism.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Love planet Venus starts retrograding in your enigmatic eighth house on March 1, prompting a review of the hidden underbelly of all your closest bonds.
    Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • After years in obscure so-so movies playing Chopin and Byron, and in some respectable Merchant Ivory ones, the surprise star of last year's Four Weddings and a Funeral and this year's Nine Months and The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain has lately been having a bad life.
    Candace Bushnell, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Everything feels absurd and animated by obscure cosmic forces.
    Willing Davidson, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The disruptions in flow call to mind the format of Be My Guest With Ina Garten, in which Ina both preps for a guest as well as cooks with them, but Meghan’s uncanny flashbacks somehow further untether the show from the reality of her not-kitchen.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Reality Blues wades into the mysteries of our uncanny world, trying to catch a vibe.
    Meaghan Garvey, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But doctors have begun to suspect that this year's flu season—the most severe in over 15 years—has taken a yet darker turn for children.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Master of maturation Andrea Wilson adds her own tasting notes, describing baking spice, dark fruit, toffee, fragrant citrus, and floral notes on the palate, followed by a round, complex finish.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Founded on the ethos of art as a form of mystic healing, the label reimagines the family heirloom—and invites its patrons to examine their relationship with objects.
    Nia Shumake, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Healy Lake members have long considered their dogs to be mystic companions, according to Combs.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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