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
Relevance
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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In a concise 30-to-45-minute session, volunteers learn to recognize warning signs, ask direct questions, validate the veterans' experience, and expedite referral to services—summarized by the acronym SAVE.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
26 May 2025
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Scheduling a concise daily standup meeting can keep alignment tight.—
Max Avery,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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At first unsure, Ester allows the guy to touch her, and as a viewer the scene is ambiguous.—
Catherine Bray,
Variety,
24 May 2025
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The camera flies out over the water, and neither Cecilie nor the audience gets a definitive answer, with the series coming to an ambiguous and unsettling end.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Just a brief walk from the preserve’s entrance, this unique grotto reveals a stunning 50-foot waterfall cascading into a jade-green pool.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
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India is emerging after a brief conflict with Pakistan, with a ceasefire thankfully appearing to hold for now.—
Vasuki Shastry,
Forbes.com,
24 May 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 7 Jun. 2025.
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