Cryptic and Obtuse

Cryptic

Cryptic adjective - Having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning.
Usage example: the oracle offered only cryptic predictions that could be interpreted any number of different ways

Obtuse and cryptic are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Obtuse" instead an adjective "Cryptic".

Obtuse

Obtuse adjective - Lacking sharpness of edge or point.

Cryptic and obtuse are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Cryptic" instead an adjective "Obtuse".

Nearby Word: obtusely

Mutual synonyms

Both words in one sentence

  • While his advice on any given situation will be obtuse or cryptic more often than not, he always serves to steer the main character in the right way.
  • Dalek Caan seems to speak like this, but it's ultimately subverted; all of his cryptic riddles are perfectly accurate, if obtuse, either describing what he saw while traveling through the time lock around the Last Great Time War, or what is about to happen.
Cite this Source
Obtuse and Cryptic. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/cryptic/obtuse
Cryptic & Obtuse. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/cryptic/obtuse>.
Obtuse or Cryptic. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/cryptic/obtuse.
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