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
Tunnelling, meanwhile, is an abstruse turn on a classic skill exemplified by the finest Dodger pitcher of them all, Sandy Koufax.
—
Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
At the heart of the progress has been von Neumann’s abstruse research.
—Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
Unimaginative critics misunderstood how 300 abstracted the West’s war impulse, but now Snyder offers facile, abstruse justifications for his characters’ erotic and violent impulses.
—Armond White, National Review, 9 Aug. 2024
In contrast to the abstruse beauty of the séance room, the primary bedroom and bath, which the homeowner calls the goddess suite, are all lightness and elegance, a pale-hued sanctuary that casts a spell of serenity tinged with decadence.
—Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for abstruse
Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
At the heart of the progress has been von Neumann’s abstruse research.
—Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
Unimaginative critics misunderstood how 300 abstracted the West’s war impulse, but now Snyder offers facile, abstruse justifications for his characters’ erotic and violent impulses.
—Armond White, National Review, 9 Aug. 2024
In contrast to the abstruse beauty of the séance room, the primary bedroom and bath, which the homeowner calls the goddess suite, are all lightness and elegance, a pale-hued sanctuary that casts a spell of serenity tinged with decadence.
—Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for abstruse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstruse
Adjective
-
Everyone knows Gaudí’s architecture; his furniture is a more esoteric thing.—
Anthony Paletta,
Curbed,
20 May 2025
-
His tastes ebbed and flowed between aggressive music and more esoteric tastes, as his collaborators came to range from Richard Thompson to Hal Willner, whose tribute to Federico Fellini and Nino Rota included contributions from Thomas, as did a collection of sea shanties.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
These individuals typically struggle to delegate or seek support, which can result in a profound sense of isolation.—
Lisa Bodell,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Irsay, a Lincolnwood native who attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, had a profound impact on the Colts franchise.—
Michael Marot,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstruse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstruse. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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