variants
or elliptic
1
as in cryptic
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning
the poet's elliptical style is such that the reader often senses that an allusion is being made—but to what exactly?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in concise
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning
his elliptical replies can seem rude to some people, but that's just his way
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of elliptical
So, instead of spending hours on treadmills and elliptical machines, women are lifting weights.
—
Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Based on Denis Johnson’s award-winning novella, this artful, elliptical tale of one ordinary man’s life (Edgerton) in the early 20th century has already received rave reviews out of the Sundance Film Festival.
—Tolly Wright, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
As per the press release, these included small, circular protrusions or bumps, elliptical protrusions with a fingerprint-like pattern, and a third set of large, round marks.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
The high-altitude elliptical orbit required a boost on a Falcon Heavy rocket.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elliptical
Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Based on Denis Johnson’s award-winning novella, this artful, elliptical tale of one ordinary man’s life (Edgerton) in the early 20th century has already received rave reviews out of the Sundance Film Festival.
—Tolly Wright, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
As per the press release, these included small, circular protrusions or bumps, elliptical protrusions with a fingerprint-like pattern, and a third set of large, round marks.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
The high-altitude elliptical orbit required a boost on a Falcon Heavy rocket.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elliptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elliptical
Adjective
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While filming season 3 of Special Forces, Bachelorette alum Trista Sutter's husband, Ryan Sutter, shared a cryptic Instagram post about her being gone, which sparked speculation about their relationship status.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
-
At some point, though, meaning that is sufficiently cryptic becomes indistinguishable from no meaning at all.—
Kathryn Schulz,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The main use case for an oval Dutch oven is for large cuts of meat like a rack of lamb.—
Emily Johnson,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Wait for the oval green fruits to drop on the ground.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Bednar’s response was concise, but hard to argue with.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Clear Communication Professionals can improve their communication skills by being clear, concise and kind in their daily interactions.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Total repatriations When examining total repatriations — people returned to their country of origin — a more ambiguous picture emerges.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
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Whereas many tech deals are conducted in equity of ambiguous value, this one was done in cold, hard cash, though the product itself is by no means a sure bet.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Even brief closures have cost the economy billions of dollars.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
1 Oct. 2025
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The Chinese navy already makes port calls in Myanmar, but these are brief stays in facilities too primitive to provide naval advantage.—
Dan Swift,
Foreign Affairs,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The Chalmers research group has now provided a detailed account of a previously enigmatic phase of formamidinium lead iodide.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
-
For a planet already famous for its beauty and mysteries, Saturn just became even more enigmatic.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The answers Nora gets back from Azad’s father and brother are dismissive, curt, and even threatening.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
17 Sep. 2025
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These and a few other basic elements recur throughout Martinů’s œuvre: curt themes, darting rhythms, tangy harmonies, glittering textures.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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And in Georgia, aggressive roll maintenance and steady Republican registration drives have helped the GOP blunt Democrats’ earlier gains and remain competitive in statewide contests.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2025
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Moorjani plays Aruna, the Los Angeles Waves’ incredibly blunt star accountant who can finagle her way around any number of financial hurdles.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elliptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elliptical. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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