Cryptic and Vague

Cryptic

Cryptic adjective - Being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain.
Usage example: puzzled by the cryptic e-mail message left on his computer

Vague is a synonym for cryptic in obscure topic. In some cases you can use "Vague" instead an adjective "Cryptic", when it comes to topics like secret, mysterious.

Vague

Vague adjective - Not expressed in precise terms.
Usage example: gave as vague a reply as he could, hoping not to give away the surprise

Cryptic is a synonym for vague in obscure topic. You can use "Cryptic" instead an adjective "Vague".

Nearby Words: vagueness, vaguely

Both words in one sentence

  • Starfish Language It doesn't help that Kosh is deliberately obscure and metaphorical when he does bother to speak, either just to be vague and cryptic, to intimidate, or just because it's part of his sense of humor.
  • Similarly, Jolee's accounts of the player's "swirling force" are vague and cryptic enough to prevent them from affecting the player's choices at all.
  • Batman: Arkham City has deliberately cryptic and vague trophy descriptions to avoid spoiling the plot.
Cite this Source
Vague and Cryptic. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/cryptic/vague
Cryptic & Vague. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/cryptic/vague>.
Vague or Cryptic. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/cryptic/vague.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "cryptic" and "vague" have occurred on timeline