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.

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

At another property she saw, there was a cryptic warning sign near the steps to the backyard—something about using them at your own risk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

For the moment, he forgot all his anger and Thyon’s cryptic insinuations and was simply overcome by the significance of the achievement.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

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