cryptic

[krip-tik] / ˈkrɪp tɪk /

ADJECTIVE

secret; obscure in meaning

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambiguous arcane enigmatic equivocal incomprehensible mysterious strange vague veiled

WEAK

Delphian Delphic abstruse apocryphal cabalistic dark esoteric evasive hidden inexplicable murky mystic mystical mystifying occult opaque oracular perplexing puzzling recondite secretive tenebrous unclear unfathomable uninformative

Antonyms

STRONGEST

certain clear common definite known normal obvious plain sure

WEAK

seen straightforward

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At such moments, Marvin, a notably unemotive and cryptic actor, is less impressive than ineffectual.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Her concurrence is too cryptic, though, to be of much use to lower courts trying to make sense of Gorsuch’s maximalist rhetoric.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

Alex Albon - 5 - Another tough weekend and some cryptic radio messages in qualifying highlight all is not well within the Williams camp.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s cryptic weekend tweet has roused speculation about whether he is planning to build a semiconductor fabrication facility, or fab, something that costs tens of billions of dollars to build.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

And then Ellis noticed that the first cryptic entry in the hiker’s journal read, “Exit Fairbanks. Sitting Galliean. Rabbit Day.”

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Vocabulary lists containing cryptic

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Animal Farm

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT words Beginning with "C"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!