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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 Turner has also posted several cryptic posts on her Instagram Stories lately, most of which have alluded to change. Julia Moore, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Less time zipping between love interests will hopefully mean more time to solve the mystery of the creepy texter who began sending her cryptic, threatening messages in the final moments of Season 1. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2025 Sometimes my lyrics can be cryptic and hard for people to understand. Abigail Lee, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025 When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to ‘find the accountant,’ Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cryptic
Adjective
  • The family adventure show is set at mysterious Crookhaven School where high achieving young crooks from across the world are secretly selected to hone their skills in disciplines such as deception, crimnastics, forgery and infiltration.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • Dipping in and out of this book over a few months might inspire a new reverence for the mysterious human body.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • While critical thinking is invaluable, the tendency to fixate on ambiguous data points—many of which pertain to uncontrollable external factors—can lead to unnecessary stress.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The two were previously involved in a morally ambiguous mission gone wrong, which led to Vincent murdering an undercover cop.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His early career, however, was marked by several more enigmatic turns in films like Clay Pigeons (1998) and Gus Van Sant's Psycho remake (1998).
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 9 May 2025
  • The feature, based on an award-winning short, traces the story of an enigmatic old man living in the dunes who is unjustly accused of killing a local.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Starting from a relatively obscure blog, Yarvin has emerged as one of the most prominent critics of ...
    Fred Bauer, National Review, 10 May 2025
  • Over the last few weeks, an obscure subject has sowed panic and speculation among investors, the federal government, national security experts, and business leaders: rare earth elements.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Each week, Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie Cale would drive into a new locale, discover that a murder had taken place, and solve it using her uncanny ability to recognize when people are lying.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
  • The weekly Colombo-esque whodunnit follows Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a woman whose uncanny ability to spot a lie routinely gets her in trouble.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Large amounts of larvae were in dark crevices inside the homes, including under appliances or furniture.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 10 May 2025
  • Where to watch: Max 'Another Simple Favor' In Paul Feig's dark comedy mystery sequel, crime-solving mommy vlogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) is shocked when fresh-out-of-jail frenemy Emily (Blake Lively) invites her to be maid of honor at her wedding in Capri.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to Nutritionists By Brianna Peters In an era when nearly everything feels politicized and uncertain, these mystic tools offer something precious: a means of reconnecting with ourselves.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
  • In the West, she’s been sanctified, but also portrayed as a sinner, a nun, a mystic, and Jesus’ wife.
    Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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