What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cryptic
Example
The cryptic message left us wondering what it meant. [cryptic: adjective]
Example
The crossword puzzle was filled with cryptic clues that took hours to solve. [cryptic: adjective]
mysterious
Example
The abandoned house had a mysterious aura that made us hesitant to enter. [mysterious: adjective]
Example
The disappearance of the hiker remains a mysterious case that has yet to be solved. [mysterious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mysterious is more commonly used than cryptic in everyday language. Mysterious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cryptic is less common and is often used in the context of puzzles, codes, or messages.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cryptic and mysterious?
Both cryptic and mysterious are relatively formal words, but cryptic may be considered more technical or specialized due to its association with puzzles and codes.
