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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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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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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

Examples of cryptic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Gino posted something very cryptic about their relationship on his Instagram and fans are questioning him. —

Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 July 2024 Last month, the 20-year-old hitmaker from Riverside, Calif., announced the album with a cryptic post. —

Griselda Flores, Billboard, 19 July 2024 The advertising has even reached the social movie reviewing platform Letterboxd, where the film's fictional character Mr. Downstairs made an account and began leaving cryptic messages on several users' review of the movie (and A24's MaXXXine for some reason). —

Rendy Jones, EW.com, 19 July 2024 Most members of Congress have maintained silence or issued cryptic remarks about whether Biden should continue his campaign. —

Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for cryptic

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cryptic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

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Last Updated: 10 Aug 2024 - Updated example sentences

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