cryptic

[krip-tik]

adjective

1. mysterious in meaning; puzzling; ambiguous.

   a cryptic message.

   Synonyms: enigmatic

2. abrupt; terse; short.

   a cryptic note.

3. secret; occult.

   a cryptic writing.

4. involving or using cipher, code, etc.

5. Zoology.,  fitted for concealing; serving to camouflage.

noun

1. a cryptogram, especially one designed as a puzzle.

cryptic

/ ˈkrɪptɪk /

adjective

1. hidden; secret; occult

2. (esp of comments, sayings, etc) obscure in meaning

3. (of the coloration of animals) tending to conceal by disguising or camouflaging the shape

Other Word Forms

• cryptically adverb
• noncryptic adjective
• noncryptical adjective
• noncryptically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptic¹

1595–1605; < Late Latin crypticus < Greek kryptikós hidden. See crypt, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptic¹

C17: from Late Latin crypticus, from Greek kruptikos, from kruptos concealed; see _crypt

Synonym Study

See ambiguous.

Example Sentences

At some point after practice, the Lakers were asked if any one texted them about James’ cryptic post about “#TheSecondDecision” on Monday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Who is the Joker? Who could it be? Is it God? Or is it me?” is the cryptic reply.

Read more on Salon

Hegseth’s cryptic call for hundreds of generals and admirals to meet next week at Quantico, Va., is chilling in its implication and frightening in its scope.

Read more on Salon

Did a lynching happen here, “About a Hundred Yards from the Road,” as the cryptic title suggests?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Though earlier we could hear tension-rattling music setting a cryptic mood, now there is nothing.

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Related Words

• ambiguous 
• arcane 
• enigmatic 
• equivocal 
• incomprehensible 
• mysterious 
• strange 
• vague 
• veiled