1
as in profound
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand
metaphysics is such an esoteric subject that most people are content to leave it to the philosophers
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confidential
not known or meant to be known by the general populace
must have had some esoteric motive for leaving his art collection to a museum halfway around the globe
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Recent Examples of esoteric
For decades, proof complexity researchers have studied esoteric questions that seem more closely linked to mathematical logic than to any other area of computer science.
—
Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 11 May 2026
Diagnosed by an esoteric rabbi as possessed by his father’s dybbuk, Bernardo must exorcise the spirit and face adulthood.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 11 May 2026
Malissa Mabey Photo Such an esoteric directive might’ve deterred some designers, but Julia Miller of the AD PRO Directory firm Yond Interiors was thrilled to synthesize Henkemeyer’s highly specific (and yet abstract) ideas into a tangible home.
—Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
Some conversations took a more esoteric turn.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for esoteric
Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 11 May 2026
Diagnosed by an esoteric rabbi as possessed by his father’s dybbuk, Bernardo must exorcise the spirit and face adulthood.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 11 May 2026
Malissa Mabey Photo Such an esoteric directive might’ve deterred some designers, but Julia Miller of the AD PRO Directory firm Yond Interiors was thrilled to synthesize Henkemeyer’s highly specific (and yet abstract) ideas into a tangible home.
—Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
Some conversations took a more esoteric turn.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for esoteric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esoteric
Adjective
-
Judaism has profound ethics and principles of justice for all.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
-
Nowhere was his impact more profound than in journalism with the launch of CNN.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Among other things, the former prince appeared to send the financier emails about his official trips to Singapore, Vietnam, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, along with a confidential briefing about investment in reconstruction in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province in 2010.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
-
All calls will be kept confidential.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
The individual who once grappled with learning disabilities emerged into a scholarly critical thinker.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
For most of his life, Mojtaba was not regarded as a religious scholar of significant theological authority or scholarly distinction.—
Hamidreza Azizi,
Time,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Over time, Raúl did enact reforms – though not democratic ones – such as expanding small-scale private businesses.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
21 May 2026
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While the simple Deluxe Room is ideal for a quick overnight trip, guests looking for a longer stay should spread out in the Junior Suite with Living & Dining Area, which opens onto a semi-private stone patio with a bocce court and a firepit in the warmer months.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
Adjective
-
The secret dinner series, founded by Alexandria Ott, brings together collaboration with chefs for unique dining experiences.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 May 2026
-
Zúñiga was part of the secret negotiating team that struck a deal with Cuban officials, including Raul Castro’s son, to restore diplomatic ties during the Obama administration.—
Patrick Oppmann,
CNN Money,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery has signed on for an undisclosed role in John Wick spinoff Caine, directed by and starring martial arts legend Donnie Yen as the blind assassin.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
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As of Monday, customs had received 126,237 applications for refunds for an undisclosed number of entries, according to a declaration from CBP executive director of trade programs Brandon Lord, which was filed in the Court of International Trade.—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Esoteric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esoteric. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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