1
as in mysterious
being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain
puzzled by the cryptic e-mail message left on his computer
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning
the oracle offered only cryptic predictions that could be interpreted any number of different ways
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cryptic
But in a cryptic post on his website, Morrissey Central, the singer announced the cancellation of a show in Stockholm and claimed his music had been largely forgotten by an industry that once hung on his every move.
—
Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 26 June 2025
The cryptic introduction is a subtle nod to the bartenders that the patron is about to order one of four drinks from the Burning Blade secret menu.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
Alongside firsthand accounts from cops, journalists, and survivors, the series unpacks how fear spread through the streets, fueled by cryptic letters, a frenzied press, and a killer who seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once.
—Peter White, Deadline, 24 June 2025
The moment helped confirm a romance that had been rumored for several months following several cryptic Instagram posts.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cryptic
Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 26 June 2025
The cryptic introduction is a subtle nod to the bartenders that the patron is about to order one of four drinks from the Burning Blade secret menu.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
Alongside firsthand accounts from cops, journalists, and survivors, the series unpacks how fear spread through the streets, fueled by cryptic letters, a frenzied press, and a killer who seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once.
—Peter White, Deadline, 24 June 2025
The moment helped confirm a romance that had been rumored for several months following several cryptic Instagram posts.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cryptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cryptic
Adjective
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In The Old Guard 2, following on from the climax of the first film, Andy must come to terms with her newfound mortality while preparing to face a mysterious foe (played by Uma Thurman).—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
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Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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These beers had previously been included within larger, more ambiguous lager categories for the Great American Beer Festival competition, but the Brewers Association says the uniqueness and growing popularity of these styles warrants individual guideline recognition.—
Don Tse,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Tipping for other services may be more ambiguous and recommended as a dollar amount instead, like $10 per hour or $5 per bag carried or shuttle driven.—
Katie Kelton,
Boston Herald,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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The same narrative was recycled, almost ritualistically, whenever the enigmatic artist took the stage.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Her voice soon catches the attention of the admired and enigmatic choirmaster Machá (Juraj Loj).—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Chartreuse Made by actual French monks based on a nearly 300-year-old secret recipe, this high-proof, kelly green spirit is a bit of an obscure flex.—
Amiel Stanek,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
11 July 2025
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Outraged, Gauguin located an obscure French law that proved only children within a four-kilometre radius of a school were bound to attend.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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These technologies can imitate voices, faces and even emotional expressions with uncanny precision.—
Jennifer C. Wolfe,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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The identity of Jake's owner remains as mysterious as the robot's uncanny ability to flatter strangers.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Michigan is home to six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks and an international dark sky sanctuary.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
9 July 2025
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The duo stepped out in complementary dark ensembles, with Hayek wearing one of her favorite footwear looks — hefty platform heels — with a black velvet dress.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Further projects include psychological thriller The Olive Press, set in the mystic world of the Druze community in Mount Lebanon, from writer and director Samah El Kadi, and co-written by Nadim Chammas.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
19 May 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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