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- pronunciation:
- krIp
tihk
- features:
- Word Combinations (adjective), Word Parts
part of speech: |
adjective |
definition 1: |
difficult to understand; ambiguous or mysterious in meaning.
The cryptic telegram he sent was more worrying than reassuring.- synonyms:
- ambiguous, enigmatic, inscrutable, mysterious
- antonyms:
- clear
- similar words:
- arcane, elliptical, inexplicable, mystic, nebulous, obscure, oracular, puzzling, unclear, vague, veiled
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definition 2: |
having a secret or hidden meaning.
Only members of the cult understood the cryptic message.- synonyms:
- mystical
- similar words:
- arcane, coded
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definition 3: |
in zoology, suited to hiding or concealing.
These birds have cryptic markings that help camouflage them.- synonyms:
- cryptozoic
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related words: |
equivocal, mystical, opaque, secret |
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derivation: |
cryptically (adv.) |
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