1
as in esoteric
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand
grammatical rules that seem arcane to generations of students who were never taught grammar in the first place
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cryptic
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning
the rebate form uses arcane language, the only purpose of which seems to be to disqualify buyers from actually getting a rebate
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mysterious
being beyond one's powers to know, understand, or explain
my predecessor in this job obviously had his own arcane system for filing things, and so I haven't a clue as to where anything is
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of arcane
Under arcane California rules, if a party’s statewide voter registration numbers dropped below a certain threshold, that party’s candidates couldn’t be on a ballot.
—
Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Uncovering the arcane secrets of the game's multiple environmental blocks is often far from obvious and rewards players who like to experiment and explore.
—Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2024
As a coach, Rooney also showed an interest in studying MLS’ complex and often arcane roster rules and regulations, something many foreign coaches have had little appetite for.
—Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
At the moment, all 14 avalanche centers exist within the Forest Service’s arcane management structure of regional forests and ranger districts.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for arcane 
Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Uncovering the arcane secrets of the game's multiple environmental blocks is often far from obvious and rewards players who like to experiment and explore.
—Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2024
As a coach, Rooney also showed an interest in studying MLS’ complex and often arcane roster rules and regulations, something many foreign coaches have had little appetite for.
—Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
At the moment, all 14 avalanche centers exist within the Forest Service’s arcane management structure of regional forests and ranger districts.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for arcane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for arcane
Adjective
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But here’s the thing: For the average American, these lofty concerns can feel distant, esoteric and abstract.—
Matt K. Lewis,
Twin Cities,
9 Feb. 2025
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In addition to leading one of the most progressive, esoteric, and liberalized sects of Islam, the imam was an accomplished racehorse breeder and proponent of Islamic architecture.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But the child’s uncle departed with a cryptic comment when he was told how happy his brother’s family had appeared to their neighbors.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2025
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All while his admittedly gorgeous leading lady plays a cryptic symbol?—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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That gusher of findings will include new observations of exoplanets—or planets orbiting other stars; new surveys of the structure of the Milky Way; and new studies of dark energy, the mysterious, invisible force that causes the universe to expand continuously at an ever-accelerating rate.—
Jeffrey Kluger/Greenbelt,
TIME,
8 Feb. 2025
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Beyond mysterious Gathering new data about Venus is vital, Garvin pointed out, so that the next wave of exploration is grounded in what must be done first as scientists attempt to further reveal our sister world.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This change has been accompanied by profound cultural change, with food and practices generally associated with Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries becoming more common in the state.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
16 Feb. 2025
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Keith remains to a large degree elusive, but Magaro subtly gives us insight into what drives his artistry, which is then augmented by Watts’ observations, from a critic’s P.O.V., and those of Manfred, a protective friend and professional associate with a profound respect for Jarrett’s gifts.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Their reasoning is ambiguous and the move is likely to put moderate Republicans facing reelection in swing districts in an uncomfortable position.—
Lee Hamilton,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Executive orders have nearly always been legally ambiguous.—
Meredith Conroy,
ABC News,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Founded on the ethos of art as a form of mystic healing, the label reimagines the family heirloom—and invites its patrons to examine their relationship with objects.—
Nia Shumake,
Essence,
3 Feb. 2025
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Healy Lake members have long considered their dogs to be mystic companions, according to Combs.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Customers can make an appointment to browse the merchandise, including furniture, jewelry, silver, and obscure objects from around the globe, before placing their bids in the auctions, which are held exclusively online.—
Frances MacDougall,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2025
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Players carry fake guns – such as water pistols – while concealing their identities and running through areas and hiding in obscure places.—
Julia Bonavita,
Fox News,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Du Maurier makes good use of many of the usual tropes of the Gothic genre, especially uncanny doubling: Relentlessly and unfavorably compared to the Manderley estate’s bewitching former mistress, the nameless narrator is pushed to the brink of sanity by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers.—
M.L. Rio,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2025
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Those retouching features can look uncanny, though, and are processor-intensive.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
6 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near arcane
Cite this Entry
“Arcane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/arcane. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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