Cryptic (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Having a secret or hidden meaning; "cabalistic symbols engraved in stone"; "cryptic writings"; "thoroughly sibylline in most of his pronouncements"- John Gunther.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The artist's use of cryptic imagery in her paintings left many viewers scratching their heads.
- The ancient text was filled with cryptic messages that only a select few could decipher.
- The politician's cryptic response to the question only added to the speculation surrounding the scandal.
- The novelist's cryptic ending left readers wondering what had really happened to the main character.
- The professor's cryptic comments during the lecture had many students confused and seeking clarification.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Having a puzzling terseness; "a cryptic note".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The ancient prophecy was written in cryptic language, making it impossible to decipher its true meaning.
- Her boss's cryptic response to her question only added to her confusion.
- The cryptic message on the ransom note left the detectives stumped.
- The poet's cryptic style was admired by some but criticized by others as being too obscure.
- The fortune teller's cryptic warnings only made me more anxious about the future.
Meaning 3
Of an obscure nature; "the new insurance policy is written without cryptic or mysterious terms"; "a deep dark secret"; "the inscrutable workings of Providence"; "in its mysterious past it encompasses all the dim origins of life"- Rachel Carson; "rituals totally mystifying to visitors from other lands".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The artist's use of symbolism in her paintings added a cryptic layer of meaning that was open to interpretation.
- The cryptic message on the ancient stone was only decipherable by a select few who had spent years studying the language.
- The detective was baffled by the cryptic clues left at the scene of the crime, which seemed to point to multiple suspects.
- The company's financial reports were filled with cryptic terminology that made it difficult for investors to understand the true state of the business.
- The professor's cryptic comments during the lecture left many students confused and scrambling to take notes.