variants
or elliptic
1
as in cryptic
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning
the poet's elliptical style is such that the reader often senses that an allusion is being made—but to what exactly?
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in concise
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning
his elliptical replies can seem rude to some people, but that's just his way
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of elliptical
Kosmos 482 launched toward Earth's hellishly hot sister planet in 1972, but a problem with its rocket stranded the spacecraft in an elliptical orbit around Earth.
—
Mike Wall, Space.com, 10 May 2025
Unlike a circular or an elliptical orbit, the spacecraft’s path in hyperbolic orbit won’t keep it orbiting around Mars.
—Piyush Mehta, The Conversation, 7 May 2025
The mission was bound for Venus, but problem's with the probe's launch vehicle stranded Kosmos 482 in an elliptical orbit around Earth.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 May 2025
The Mini Vingt-Sept line features a sleek elliptical steel hinge and bio-nylon temples, a nod to performance and precision while the Shield Pro range marks the boldest designs with futuristic touches.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for elliptical
Mike Wall, Space.com, 10 May 2025
Unlike a circular or an elliptical orbit, the spacecraft’s path in hyperbolic orbit won’t keep it orbiting around Mars.
—Piyush Mehta, The Conversation, 7 May 2025
The mission was bound for Venus, but problem's with the probe's launch vehicle stranded Kosmos 482 in an elliptical orbit around Earth.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 May 2025
The Mini Vingt-Sept line features a sleek elliptical steel hinge and bio-nylon temples, a nod to performance and precision while the Shield Pro range marks the boldest designs with futuristic touches.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for elliptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elliptical
Adjective
-
On Thursday, May 29, the 20-year-old shared a cryptic message on Instagram Stories.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
30 May 2025
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Before Tessitore and Barrett could finish arguing, the screen cut out to a cryptic promo from Uncle Howdy, who teased coming after the Tag Team Titles.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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The Kohler Sunstruck oval tub is standard in the primary bathroom if this layout is chosen.—
Benjamin C Tankersley,
Washington Post,
1 Feb. 2023
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This simple opener works well on circular cans but may not be effective on dented, square, or oval cans.—
Maya Polton,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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The Look and Sound of Leadership Each episode delivers concise, ready-to-use strategies for communicating with confidence, managing teams and leading through change.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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There is no shortage of lengthy and confusing timelines of Swift’s battle to own those albums on the Internet, but below is a concise history.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Without a clear roadmap, friendship breakups often feel ambiguous, or sometimes lead to unnecessary hurt.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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The Food and Drug Administration’s April 22 news release contains some ambiguous language.—
Andrea Ruth,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The private residence was used for a brief exterior shot only in the movie.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2025
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Peyton Manning Doesn't Hold Back About Aaron Rodgers Amid Steelers Rumors During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Marino revealed some brief thoughts on Rodgers and the Steelers.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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In a quaint village nestled high in the Swiss alps, an enigmatic domed building towers above the sloped rooftops.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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The invisible legacy In the end, Sara is left with one last crucial gift from her mentor, Massimiliano—a CD with an enigmatic message.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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In an attempt to punish new castmate Angela Oakley for bringing an uninvited guest, Porsha stonewalls Angela throughout her celebratory dinner, resorting to curt, one-word answers whenever prodded by the group to participate.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
12 May 2025
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But his curt, at times browbeating, management style resurfaced, alienating some subordinates, according to former colleagues.—
Adam Goldman,
New York Times,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Isaac Leal, 17, died on Monday, June 2, from a blunt force injury to the head, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2025
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His autopsy revealed his head had blunt force trauma.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elliptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elliptical. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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