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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 The Portuguese star raised questions about his future with a cryptic social media post last month. Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 June 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, 2 June 2025 On Thursday, May 29, the 20-year-old shared a cryptic message on Instagram Stories. Catherine Santino, People.com, 30 May 2025 Before Tessitore and Barrett could finish arguing, the screen cut out to a cryptic promo from Uncle Howdy, who teased coming after the Tag Team Titles. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cryptic
Adjective
  • 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
  • All do so, apart from the titular madman, who has a mysterious reason to stay behind.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 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
  • This deeply personal documentary dives into the legacy of Counting Crows and their enigmatic lead singer Adam Duritz, not as a nostalgia play, but as a raw and revealing look at identity, artistry, and the fine line between performance and reality.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 16 June 2025
  • Her enigmatic portraiture graces the collections of billionaire businessman François Pinault and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, among others.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 13 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
  • Wilson demonstrated an uncanny gift for harmonic invention and complex vocal and instrumental arrangements.
    Roy Trakin, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025
  • Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, there is a reason this haunting, uncanny novel has such enduring appeal.
    Miriam Gershow June 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Its reversible design features dark stripes on one side made of 92 percent wool, 4 percent polyester, and 4 percent cotton, and the opposite side is made from 100 percent cotton in the solid natural color.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 15 June 2025
  • The Republican president, on his 79th birthday, sat in a special viewing stand south of the White House to watch the display of American military might, which began early and moved swiftly as light rain fell and dark clouds shrouded the Washington Monument.
    LOLITA C. BALDOR, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The author also varies the texture of the book by inserting poems, quotations, dramatic dialogue, a veiled account of her unhappy days at boarding school, and a lengthy digression on the German mystic Friederike Hauffe, who claimed to be clairvoyant and to communicate with spirits.
    James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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