Synonyms of cryptic

cryptic

adjective

ˈkrip-tik 

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

• mysterious
• enigmatic
• uncanny
• mystic
• obscure
• deep
• dark
• ambiguous
• inscrutable
• vague
• unexplainable
• arcane
• murky
• occult
• confusing
• impenetrable
• mystical
• esoteric
• metaphysical
• fuzzy
• unintelligible
• shadowy
• incomprehensible
• equivocal
• darkling
• supernatural
• inexplicable
• puzzling
• unfathomable
• unaccountable
• perplexing
• baffling
• unknowable
• unanswerable
• imponderable
• abstruse
• recondite
• unsearchable
• confounding
• numinous
• disorienting
• mystifying
• bewildering
• befuddling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• intelligible
• understandable
• obvious
• clear
• apparent
• plain
• evident
• unambiguous
• unequivocal
• transparent
• unmistakable
• straightforward
• manifest
• fathomable
• palpable
• perspicuous
• open-and-shut
• patent

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ambiguous
• obscure
• enigmatic
• dark
• mysterious
• mystic
• esoteric
• vague
• unclear
• murky
• inscrutable
• opaque
• nebulous
• questionable
• arcane
• occult
• equivocal
• Delphic
• elliptical
• uncertain
• deep
• confusing
• obscurant
• fuliginous
• complicated
• weird
• eerie
• abstruse
• recondite
• uncanny
• double-edged
• indecipherable
• fuzzy
• indirect
• puzzling
• incomprehensible
• disguised
• shadowy
• noncommittal
• indistinct
• concealed
• shrouded
• complex
• faint
• hazy
• masked
• difficult
• cloaked
• inexplicable
• foggy
• perplexing
• shaded
• baffling
• obfuscatory
• undefined
• misty
• indefinite
• inexact
• clouded
• indistinguishable
• muddy
• invisible
• sphinxlike
• mystifying
• cloudy
• undetermined
• confounding
• impenetrable
• dim
• inexplicit
• bewildering
• unknowable
• obtuse
• unanswerable
• circuitous
• intangible
• unfathomable
• bedimmed
• shadowlike
• roundabout
• impalpable
• beclouded
• inappreciable
• befogged
• obnubilated

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obvious
• clear
• plain
• unambiguous
• unequivocal
• accessible
• intelligible
• understandable
• distinct
• certain
• legible
• comprehensible
• evident
• bright
• sure
• strong
• direct
• explicit
• pellucid
• straightforward
• defined
• knowable
• nonambiguous
• self-explanatory
• definite
• firm
• exact
• fathomable
• visible
• determined
• self-evident
• tangible
• blatant
• appreciable
• unmistakable
• palpable
• patent

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

Recent Examples of cryptic

Katie and the other members of her family have yet to directly address Travis' announcement, though her older brother Lawson shared a cryptic post to Instagram reels. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Jan. 2026

After being thrown out of the family’s shiva by widower Simon (Mathieu Amalric), but clinging to cryptic messages from the daughter (Luana Bajrami), Lilian suspects foul play rather than the official ruling of suicide. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2026

But beware, directors Joe and Anthony Russo insist that these are not exactly teasers or trailers, and are in fact cryptic clues as to the direction of the film's narrative, so carefully dissect and evaluate them at your will! —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026

His most recent full-length, Harry’s House — which was also preceded by a cryptic website launch — debuted atop the Billboard 200 in 2022 and later won album of the year at the Grammys. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 Jan. 2026

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