# cryptic

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈkɹɪptɪk/ · frequency rank #21,482

## Definitions
1. Having hidden (unapparent) meaning.
2. Mystified or of an obscure nature; not easy to perceive.
3. Involving use of a code or cipher.
4. 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.
5. Well camouflaged; having good camouflage.
6. Serving as camouflage.
7. Apparently identical, but actually genetically distinct.
8. Living in a cavity or small cave.

## Etymology
From Late Latin crypticus, from Ancient Greek κρυπτικός (kruptikós), from κρυπτός (kruptós, “hidden”), from κρύπτω (krúptō, “to hide”). Doublet of kryptic.

## Easily confused with
- **crypto** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/cryptic-vs-crypto)
- **cystic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/cryptic-vs-cystic)
- **crypt** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/crypt-vs-cryptic)
- **critic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/critic-vs-cryptic)
- **Coptic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/coptic-vs-cryptic)

## Common misspellings (12)
`ccryptic`, `crpytic`, `crryptic`, `crypitc`, `crypptic`, `cryptci`, `crypticc`, `crypttic`, `crytpic`, `cryyptic`, `cyrptic`, `rcyptic`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/cryptic