adjective
cryptic
KRIHP-tihk
adjective
1
Having a hidden or puzzling meaning that is not immediately clear.
"He left a cryptic note that nobody could quite understand."
"Her cryptic reply only made the mystery deeper."
2
Describing a crossword that uses wordplay, like anagrams or hidden words, rather than plain definitions.
"Cryptic crosswords take much longer to solve than quick ones."
How to Use Cryptic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeliberately puzzling or hard to interpret, whether in speech, writing, or crossword clues.
Common pairings
cryptic message
cryptic crossword
cryptic clue
Word Forms
more cryptic comparative, cryptics plural, most cryptic superlative
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Etymology
From Greek kryptikos, related to kryptos ("hidden") — the same root as "crypt".