as in esoteric
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand
you're not the only one who finds Einstein's theory of relativity abstruse
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Recent Examples of abstruse
Kamala Harris’ penchant for strings of abstruse verbiage — popularly known as word salads — was one of several reasons her presidential campaign failed last year.
—
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025
Also, his estimate arose from abstruse economic formulas and lots of magic asterisks.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Some questioned what the White House could gain from reviewing abstruse rules for nuclear safety.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 9 May 2025
To emphasize the importance of math, Winkler displayed a handful of abstruse equations.
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstruse
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025
Also, his estimate arose from abstruse economic formulas and lots of magic asterisks.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Some questioned what the White House could gain from reviewing abstruse rules for nuclear safety.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 9 May 2025
To emphasize the importance of math, Winkler displayed a handful of abstruse equations.
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstruse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstruse
Adjective
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Though historically unfounded, this assertion electrified European esoteric circles.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
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Feldmann learned all this esoteric repertory in just a week (after Justin Austin dropped out on account of illness), making his achievement somewhat heroic.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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When looking at the entire population, these circadian rhythm disruptions may have profound effects.—
Jamie Ducharme,
Health,
5 Mar. 2026
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These conditions, such as movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, often impair essential functions like movement, speech, and swallowing, leading to a profound loss of independence.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstruse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstruse. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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