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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of abstruse
But the turn feels less absurd than abstruse, sudden even, given the film’s prior resistance to laugh at itself.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
3 Sep. 2025
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
Into Breaking Its Own Rules 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
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
3 Sep. 2025
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
Into Breaking Its Own Rules 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
-
His esoteric sidewalk pasta pop-up, Estrano, happens sporadically.
-
Such a fracture would normally sink a band, especially one that had been active for a decade, with five ambitious, esoteric albums to their credit and a solid, but perhaps not growing, fan base.
Adjective
-
The massive demand for cooling devices underscores the shift in European consumer behavior as countries grapple with profound climate changes.
-
What the state does next could have profound implications for its healthcare system and sprawling economy.
Cite this Entry
“Abstruse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstruse. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
