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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 Strange statues and cryptic riddles in Italian or Latin appear around every corner, making each visit feel like a discovery that the whole family can enjoy. Fulvio De Bonis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025 Danity Kane has revealed dates for a collection of reunion performances with cryptic messaging. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 16 Oct. 2025 Cena dropped a cryptic post on Instagram early Tuesday, with a photo of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning shaking hands — Cena offered no caption. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025 And its existence could reveal more about the nature of the cryptic dark matter that makes up more than a quarter of the universe, the researchers claimed. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cryptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cryptic
Adjective
  • In a decadent Venetian hotel, androgynous Eva is drawn to the mysterious Contessa.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
  • When a mysterious prankster befalls the town of Middlesburg, 13-year-old Frances McCausland (Erin Chambers) gets blamed for the mischief.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the institute statement, which remained ambiguous about the mosquito’s permanence, the insect probably arrived via freight transportation.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Perhaps its message is meant to be deliberately ambiguous—or maybe there’s no message at all.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mia Wasikowska plays Edith, an heiress who marries a seductive baron, Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), and moves into his enormous, decaying mansion — which is also inhabited by Thomas' enigmatic sister, Lucille (Jessica Chastain).
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Brides finds Sally Bishop (Cooke) and her husband on a trip to Northern Italy in 1961, where they get stranded at a remote villa run by the enigmatic Vova (Lawtey), who presides over a household of beautiful, deathless women (Turner-Smith, Prettejohn) and their caretaker (Gorman).
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some use protocols that are not designed to protect privacy, obscure ownership or fail to encrypt traffic properly.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The jokes about gallon jars of mayonnaise perhaps obscure the company’s true power.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The stunning Louvre museum heist earlier this week in Paris offers an uncanny encapsulation of the broader society-wide phenomenon.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The film examines the exhilarating and uncanny experience of meeting a blood brother for the first time in adulthood.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For a darker experience in the City of Light, venture beneath Paris and explore its hundreds of miles of catacombs.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Patrick wore a classic dark grey suit with coordinating pants and jacket.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Helena, meanwhile, was supposedly a mystic receiving directions from spiritual masters hidden in the Himalayas.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This was the danger Madison considered — that mystic memory would falsely elevate the Constitution.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cryptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cryptic. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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