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

While the cryptic video confirmed the beef, Cooper still didn’t offer any explanation as to what initially caused the turmoil between them.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 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

Another cryptic circling of the whip, and Midnight bows, going down on the knee of one foreleg with the other extended.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

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