cryp
tic
Comparative
more cryptic
Superlative
most cryptic
1
having mysterious and puzzling characteristics
- The cryptic message left on the desk contained clues to the whereabouts of the missing treasure.
- Her smile held a cryptic meaning that intrigued those around her.
- The ancient symbols carved into the stone tablet remained cryptic, defying interpretation.
- The artist's paintings were often filled with cryptic imagery, inviting viewers to decipher their meaning.
- The warning signs were cryptic, leaving the villagers unsure of the impending danger.
2
(of a crossword) having clues that are not understood very easily
- The cryptic crossword required a deep knowledge of wordplay and obscure references.
- She enjoyed solving cryptic clues that twisted common phrases into hidden meanings.
- The cryptic crossword puzzle had an unusual format that made it even harder to complete.
- His favorite pastime was tackling cryptic crosswords that left others puzzled.
- The cryptic nature of the crossword clues made them especially challenging for beginners.
3
having a color, pattern, or behavior that allows an animal to blend seamlessly into its environment, making it hard to detect
- The cryptic markings of the leaf insect made it nearly indistinguishable from the foliage.
- The cryptic coloration of the snake helps it hide in the underbrush.
- A cryptic butterfly flaps its wings in a way that mimics the surrounding leaves.
- The cryptic nature of the seahorse makes it nearly invisible among the coral.
- The cryptic patterns on the fish's scales provide perfect camouflage in the rocky seabed.
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