arcane

adjective

ar·​cane är-ˈkān How to pronounce arcane (audio)
Synonyms of arcane
: known or knowable only to a few people : secret
arcane rites
an arcane ritual
broadly : mysterious, obscure
arcane explanations
arcane technical details

Examples of arcane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Davis was known for her policy chops and a deep understanding of complicated subjects gleaned by arcane research. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026 The law in question is, like all campaign-finance rules, arcane. David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 The Bringers of the Cosmic Dawn seek to tear the barrier down in pursuit of their own vision, while the Red Wizards of Thay maneuver in the shadows, hungry to seize the arcane power within. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 24 June 2026 There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, countless blockchains, arcane fees to pay for swapping tokens, and complicated onboarding processes. Ben Weiss, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for arcane

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin arcānus "secret, private, intimate," from arca "chest, coffer, box" + -ānus -an entry 2 — more at ark

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arcane was in 1547

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Cite this Entry

“Arcane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arcane. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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