Cryptic
adjective /ˈkrɪptɪk/ — Hidden in plain sight — mysterious on purpose.
Definition
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure; using codes or hidden meaning; in biology, serving to conceal.
Beyond the definition
Cryptic is different from complicated: complicated things are hard to understand by accident; cryptic things are designed to obscure. A cryptic message, person, or answer has been deliberately coded. The word carries the implication of something deliberately guarded, which makes it both frustrating and compelling.
Origin & history
From Greek kryptikos 'fit for concealing', from kryptos 'hidden' — the same root as crypt, cryptography, and apocrypha.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
His final text was cryptic enough that she spent three weeks trying to decode it.
The cryptic crossword rewards patience and lateral thinking — it's a form of play for the seriously minded.
She gave a cryptic smile that could have meant anything from approval to contempt.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Cryptic” when the meaning fits your context: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure; using codes or hidden meaning; in biology, serving to conceal.
Synonyms
Antonyms
clear, obvious, transparent, legible
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Cryptic" mean?
Cryptic is adjective meaning: Hidden in plain sight — mysterious on purpose.. Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure; using codes or hidden meaning; in biology, serving to conceal.
Where does the word "Cryptic" come from?
From Greek kryptikos 'fit for concealing', from kryptos 'hidden' — the same root as crypt, cryptography, and apocrypha.