Simple Definition of cryptic

from our Learner's Dictionary

cryptic

adjective

: difficult to understand : having or seeming to have a hidden meaning
a cryptic message/title/remark
His instructions were cryptic. He said only to wait until we felt certain the answer was clear.

Cite this Entry

“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/cryptic. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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