arcane

adjective

ar·​cane är-ˈkān How to pronounce arcane (audio)
Synonyms of arcanenext
: 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.
The arthouse references might sound arcane, but this is Chen’s most accessible and borderline commercial effort to date. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Feb. 2026 Instead, an arcane academic skirmish has devolved into open hostilities. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 On his own album, Granli inhabits each song with an arcane spirit, careful to never derail his fragile mystery. H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026 Ultimately, Petitioners may, because of the arcane United States immigration system, return to their home country, involuntarily or by self-deportation. A.o. Scott, New York Times, 3 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arcane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arcane. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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