cryptic Meaning & Definition
What Does Cryptic Mean?
Cryptic is an adjective that means Having hidden (unapparent) meaning. It can also mean Mystified or of an obscure nature; not easy to perceive. As a noun, it means A cryptic crossword puzzle. As a noun, it means A cryptic crossword.
Cryptic: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈkɹɪptɪk// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | esoteric, inscrutable and concise |
| Plural | cryptics |
| Comparative / superlative | more cryptic, most cryptic |
Cryptic Definition (Adjective)
- Having hidden (unapparent) meaning.
- Mystified or of an obscure nature; not easy to perceive.
- Involving use of a code or cipher.
- Of a crossword puzzle, or a clue in such a puzzle, using, in addition to definitions, wordplay such as anagrams, homophones and hidden words to indicate solutions.
- Well camouflaged; having good camouflage.
Lonomia caterpillars are extremely cryptic.
- Serving as camouflage.
cryptic colouring
- Apparently identical, but actually genetically distinct.
cryptic species
- Living in a cavity or small cave.
Cryptic as a Noun
- A cryptic crossword puzzle.
Noun
- A cryptic crossword.
Adjective
- Having hidden meaning.
- Mystified or of an obscure nature.
- Of a crossword, or a clue in such a crossword, using, in addition to definitions, wordplay such as anagrams, homophones and hidden words to indicate solutions.
Synonyms of Cryptic
Antonyms of Cryptic
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Cryptic in a Sentence
Lonomia caterpillars are extremely cryptic.
cryptic colouring
cryptic species
Word Forms & Grammar
cryptic (comparative more cryptic, superlative most cryptic)
cryptic (plural cryptics)
Words That Rhyme With Cryptic
Origin of Cryptic
From Late Latin crypticus, from Ancient Greek κρυπτικός (kruptikós), from κρυπτός (kruptós, “hidden”), from κρύπτω (krúptō, “to hide”).[1] Doublet of kryptic.
How Do You Say Cryptic?
The standard pronunciation of cryptic is //ˈkɹɪptɪk//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Cryptic: Your Questions Answered
Is cryptic an adjective or a noun?
Cryptic is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for cryptic?
Words with a similar meaning to cryptic include esoteric, inscrutable and concise. See the full list of cryptic synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of cryptic?
The plural of cryptic is cryptics.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of cryptic?
The comparative form is more cryptic and the superlative form is most cryptic.