variants
or elliptic
1
as in cryptic
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning
the poet's elliptical style is such that the reader often senses that an allusion is being made—but to what exactly?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in concise
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning
his elliptical replies can seem rude to some people, but that's just his way
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of elliptical
The simple gym room is equipped with an elliptical, a couple treadmills, and weight-lifting systems, all with views of a glistening tributary of the Cubango River that flows through the property.
—
Samantha Falewée, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Garland’s dialogue, as evidenced in movies like Annihilation and Men, can be both elliptical and brutally straightforward.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
The 82-foot infinity saltwater pool on the ninth floor serves bright, refreshing bites and resort-y drinks in a setting that’s extra atmospheric thanks to Bangkok’s third-tallest tree, a sampong, which emerges from an elliptical opening to shade the breezy lagoon with its shimmery canopy.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Quantum computers capable of running Shor’s algorithm—the series of mathematical equations that allow the breakage of RSA and ECC (elliptic curve cryptography)—are, at a minimum, three years away and likely much further.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elliptical
Samantha Falewée, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Garland’s dialogue, as evidenced in movies like Annihilation and Men, can be both elliptical and brutally straightforward.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
The 82-foot infinity saltwater pool on the ninth floor serves bright, refreshing bites and resort-y drinks in a setting that’s extra atmospheric thanks to Bangkok’s third-tallest tree, a sampong, which emerges from an elliptical opening to shade the breezy lagoon with its shimmery canopy.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Quantum computers capable of running Shor’s algorithm—the series of mathematical equations that allow the breakage of RSA and ECC (elliptic curve cryptography)—are, at a minimum, three years away and likely much further.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elliptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elliptical
Adjective
-
Thousands of fans have also been engaging with Nikki’s increasingly obsessive, unsettling texts, voice notes and special deliveries after encountering cryptic billboards across Los Angeles and New York, each featuring her obsessive messages alongside a phone number inviting them to reach out.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
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The film, which stars Hannah Einbinder as a filmmaker tasked with revamping a tired summer camp horror franchise with its cryptic lead played by Gillian Anderson in tow, is set to make its way to theaters this August.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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The ring features a 12-carat, oval Ceylon sapphire at its center surrounded by a halo of 14 diamonds set in 18k white gold—by anyone’s eye, a beautiful piece.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Oval Glass Doors That front door with an oval glass inset?—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Mahan, 43, might have won the night for those who prefer clear and concise rhetoric.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
-
Emery was swift and concise with his words afterwards.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Text messages in court records show a brief and ambiguous exchange between McCluskie and Williamson that backs that up.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
The apparent conflict highlights the ambiguous rules around recall status and its relevance in a trial that’s been peppered with globe-trotting billionaires.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
This brief genius window can make strategy clearer, reveal missing pieces, and turn vague ideas into usable next steps.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
Concentrate and take care of the ball During his brief tenure at Stamford Bridge, Rosenior frequently lamented Chelsea’s inability to take care of moments.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
The rooms In darker hues with lots of hardwood and colorful fabrics, the rooms here don’t fall into your standard contemporary look.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Forty-four of the 89 counties along Route 66 were sundown towns, communities where it was encouraged for Black people to leave before dark — or else.—
Jasmine Desiree,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
The judge considered hundreds of pages of evidence and testimony from San Diego officials, homeowners and their lawyers and determined that the city had not met the burden for what is called summary adjudication in any of the five causes of actions.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
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Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.—
Mary Ellen O'Connell,
The Conversation,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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District leaders make up the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s obscure but powerful governing body that largely controls selecting judges, party priorities, and spending.—
Adam Davis,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
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Joined by her septet and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Steven Reineke, Joy performed a medley of tunes — her own originals as well as standards and more obscure selections within the vocal jazz canon — to rapturous applause.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elliptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elliptical. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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