cryptic

Having a hidden meaning that is hard to understand.

• He left a cryptic note.
• Her cryptic reply gave us little help.
• What did you mean by that cryptic remark?

Similar words: mysterious, enigmatic, obscure

Opposites: clear, explicit

Common phrases: cryptic message, cryptic remark, cryptic reply

Describing a word puzzle or hint that combines a meaning with tricks involving letters or sounds.

• I enjoy cryptic crosswords.
• This cryptic clue uses an anagram.
• Can you solve the last cryptic clue?

Common phrases: cryptic crossword, cryptic clue, solve cryptic crosswords

Difficult to notice, recognize, or understand because it is hidden or unclear.

• The insect's cryptic appearance makes it hard to spot.
• Cryptic coloration helps these fish hide among rocks.
• The study revealed several cryptic species.

Similar words: hidden, obscure, inconspicuous

Opposites: obvious, conspicuous

Common phrases: cryptic coloration, cryptic species, cryptic appearance

Using a secret system of signs or letters to hide information.

• The letter contained cryptic symbols.
• They needed a key to read the cryptic transmission.
• A cryptic code protected the spy's instructions.

Similar words: coded, encrypted

Opposites: uncoded

Common phrases: cryptic code, cryptic symbols, cryptic transmission

A crossword whose hints use word games as well as meanings to help you find the answers.

• I finished the cryptic today.
• The newspaper prints two cryptics each weekend.
• She finds the Sunday cryptic particularly difficult.

Similar words: cryptic crossword

Common phrases: daily cryptic, solve a cryptic, the Sunday cryptic