Synonyms for

Cryptic

Verb / ˈkrɪptɪk / Another word for cryptic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure

Synonyms & similar words

qabalistic cabalistic cryptical kabbalistic deep mysterious mystifying inscrutable sibylline mysterious enigmatic puzzling obscure ambiguous veiled abstruse arcane esoteric perplexing confusing bewildering incomprehensible unintelligible impenetrable unfathomable inscrutable opaque deep hidden

Synonyms by register

Formal

enigmatic arcane abstruse recondite

Informal

puzzling mysterious hard to figure out weird

Literary

obscure shadowy veiled

Antonyms

clear obvious plain straightforward explicit understandable transparent

Common collocations

  • cryptic message
  • cryptic clue
  • cryptic crossword
  • cryptic remark
  • cryptic smile
  • cryptic response
  • cryptic nature

Word family

noun crypticism
adjective cryptic
adverb cryptically

Usage note

Often used to describe messages, clues, or behavior that is intentionally or unintentionally difficult to understand. It implies a hidden meaning or a deliberate attempt to obscure.

Example sentences

  1. The treasure map had a cryptic message that only the smartest person could decipher.
  2. The detective found a cryptic note at the crime scene.
  3. The hieroglyphics on the wall were cryptic and difficult to read.
  4. The crossword puzzle had some cryptic clues that I couldnt solve.
  5. The teacher left a cryptic message on the whiteboard for the students to solve.

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