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Synonym Chooser

How is the word cryptic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cryptic are ambiguous, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When is it sensible to use ambiguous instead of cryptic?

While the synonyms ambiguous and cryptic are close in meaning, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

In what contexts can dark take the place of cryptic?

The words dark and cryptic can be used in similar contexts, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

When might enigmatic be a better fit than cryptic?

The words enigmatic and cryptic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When can equivocal be used instead of cryptic?

Although the words equivocal and cryptic have much in common, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When would obscure be a good substitute for cryptic?

While in some cases nearly identical to cryptic, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When could vague be used to replace cryptic?

The synonyms vague and cryptic are sometimes interchangeable, but vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

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 cryptic Topline President Donald Trump issued a warning to keep oil prices down in a cryptic Truth Social post Monday that comes amid fears oil and gas prices could surge if Iran retaliates against U.S. strikes by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Explore Good Charlotte See latest videos, charts and news The band teased the comeback in classic GC fashion: with a cryptic billboard on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles featuring a photo of the band, the album title, and the release date, as per Rolling Stone. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 17 June 2025 Crews, facing backlash for his on-air comments about Union's departure from AGT, later posted his own cryptic tweets about being loyal to his wife. Diane J. Cho, People.com, 17 June 2025 This Instagram comment comes amid a series of cryptic social media posts shared by Bieber and growing concerns for him. Charna Flam, People.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cryptic
Adjective
  • All do so, apart from the titular madman, who has a mysterious reason to stay behind.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 June 2025
  • The story in the graphic novel picks up 10 years after the events of the eponymous 1980 movie, as Joliet Jake disappears from prison under mysterious circumstances.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The inconsistency of the geographical settings goes hand in hand with the how their American protagonists are depicted as inept operators whose heroism is ambiguous Soon after his arrival in Saigon, Andrews mistakes an advertisement for a dubious massage parlor as a clue from a local contact.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
  • That’s negativity bias in action—the cognitive reflex to prioritize potential threats over neutral or positive cues, especially when the situation is ambiguous.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Or, is this high-profile loss, and others of recent vintage, for the middle lane of the Democratic Party due more to poor centrist standard-bearers (and enigmatic extremists) rather than the actual political positions themselves?
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
  • Outside of the players, the series did leave several survivors, including the game’s enigmatic overseer, The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who ended his time on the series by tracking down Gi-hun’s estranged daughter, Ga-yeong (Jo Ah-in), in Los Angeles.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • This obscure law vested NOAA with the authority to issue permits for mining beyond American jurisdiction until an international regime was put in place.
    Time, Time, 17 June 2025
  • That Davis exhibited but ultimately painted over the other two works in his geometric series might suggest some dissatisfaction with their admittedly obscure nature.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • In Girls with Long Shadows, the triplets are linked by that uncanny psychological and physical sibling familiarity; if one sister has a headache, the other two’s temples pulse with empathetic pain.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
  • That the vice president would be more amusing with less hair, a perfectly rounded face, and an uncanny, doll-like stare?
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Executive Chef Graham House and Chef de Cuisine Graham House of Luminosa in Asheville, NC, recommend using a whole roast chicken, both dark and white meat, but placing half of it in the food processor before hand shredding the remaining bits for texture.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
  • Prioritize sleep quality: Creating a consistent bedtime routine and keeping your bedroom cool and dark may help improve sleep.
    Stella Bard, Health, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Something of a mystic, just like af Klint, Martin found meaning and structure in artistic practice and spiritual rigor.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
  • This book contains the first English translation of the writings of af Klint, a Swedish painter and mystic.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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