cryptic
Hard to interpret
Cryptic describes something deliberately obscure or having hidden meaning.
A cryptic message requires decoding; a cryptic remark leaves listeners puzzled about the speaker's intent: She gave only a cryptic smile when asked about her plans.
Crossword puzzles are cryptic when clues work through wordplay rather than direct definitions.
The word suggests mystery by design rather than accident.
Puzzling and obscure
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- mysteriousBeyond easy comprehension
- obscureUnknown to most
- arcaneUnderstood by few
esoteric · abstruse · perplexing · ambiguous · opaque · veiled · recondite · hermetic
Kept out of sight
- secretConcealed information
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- veiledConcealed or obscured
disguised · camouflaged · obscured · shrouded · furtive · stealthy · secretive · incognito
enigmatic
Puzzling and obscure
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- mysteriousBeyond easy comprehension
- obscureUnknown to most
arcane · esoteric · abstruse · perplexing · ambiguous · opaque · veiled · recondite · hermetic · impenetrable
hidden
Kept out of sight
- secretConcealed information
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
veiled · disguised · camouflaged · obscured · shrouded · furtive · stealthy · secretive · incognito · undercover
riddle
Puzzling question to solve
- enigmaSomething hard to fathom
- conundrumPerplexing problem or question
- brainteaserPuzzle demanding clever thought
mystery · cipher · code · rebus · labyrinth · maze · whodunit · clue · twist · teaser
crossword
Clue-based letter grid
acrostic · cipher · solver · grid · setter · down · across · indicator · definition · compiler
- puzzlespuzzles, sudoku, jigsaw puzzle, puzzle cube, crossword
- secrecysecrecy, secret, secrets, confidential, classified
- mysteriesmystery, enigma, enigmas, puzzle, riddle
- mysteriousmysterious, enigmatic, arcane, obscure, puzzling
- Privateprivate, confidential, secret, personal, hidden
- speaking stylesarticulate, blunt, candid, conversational, casual
crypticclear
Without obstruction or fog
obvious · plain · transparent · evident · intelligible
crypticstraightforward
Clear and uncomplicated
explicit · direct · unequivocal · forthright · plain-spoken
- cryptic messageObscure, puzzling communication
- cryptic crosswordGrid solved through wordplay
- cryptic cluePuzzle hint with misdirection
- crypt keeperGuardian of underground tombs
- cryptic symbolsObscure meaningful marks
- cryptic behaviorDeliberately obscure actions
crypt, cryptogram, decrypt, encryption, encrypt, cryptically, cryptography, decryption, cryptology