cryptic

[krip-tik] / ˈkrɪp tɪk /

ADJECTIVE

secret; obscure in meaning

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambiguous arcane enigmatic equivocal incomprehensible mysterious strange vague veiled

WEAK

Delphian Delphic abstruse apocryphal cabalistic dark esoteric evasive hidden inexplicable murky mystic mystical mystifying occult opaque oracular perplexing puzzling recondite secretive tenebrous unclear unfathomable uninformative

Antonyms

STRONGEST

certain clear common definite known normal obvious plain sure

WEAK

seen straightforward

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A Microsoft Windows social media account posted the same cryptic message.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

The lower courts would assume they still had to follow that precedent until it was overruled, rather than guess what a cryptic shadow docket order meant.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026

This is referred to as "cryptic mortality", which makes it difficult to estimate the scale of the problem.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

There are romantic ruins, secret passageways and cryptic clues to hidden treasure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

They had decided to be as brief and cryptic as possible, in case an unseen Executive spied the signals.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

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