elliptical

adjective

i-ˈlip-ti-kəl How to pronounce elliptical (audio)
variants or elliptic
Definition of ellipticalnext
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?

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2
as in oval
having the shape of an egg the villa's marble pool is surrounded by an elliptic arrangement of ancient Greek statuary

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of elliptical Elsewhere in the video, Wagner can be seen riding a stationary bike, using an elliptical machine, and doing some stretching. — Lauren Huff, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025 Follow the manufacturer's directions for lubricating the elliptical if there is friction. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025 Smaller planets, it was revealed, tended to have nearly circular orbits, while larger giant planets have flattened, or elliptical, orbits. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025 Yet even as that’s happening, Patterson stages it all with an elliptical trickery that keeps the film knowingly off-balance. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elliptical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elliptical
  1. cryptic
  2. oval
  3. concise
  4. ambiguous
  5. brief
  6. enigmatic
  7. curt
  8. blunt
Adjective
  • And this looks to have that signature Souls flavor both in terms of combat and cryptic storytelling.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The note features a cryptic math puzzle that, when solved correctly using a unique personal identifier, reveals the phone number of the person who found the wallet.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • The Kohler Sunstruck oval tub is standard in the primary bathroom if this layout is chosen.
    — Benjamin C Tankersley, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023
  • 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
Definition of oval
Adjective
  • His words articulated a feeling many football fans have felt in a concise and beautiful way.
    — Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Now, the need to articulate our thoughts with precision compels us to deconstruct complex ideas, identify underlying assumptions, and formulate straightforward, concise questions.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of concise
Adjective
  • An unlikely ally to Tanner and Luca as tensions rise, but loyalties remain ambiguous.
    — Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • That would be Mark Rylance as Henry’s lord privy seal, Thomas Cromwell, an endlessly fascinating and ambiguous figure—brilliant, scheming, moral—whom Rylance animates with gravity and kaleidoscopic skill.
    — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Notably, economic activity may see a brief improvement as companies and consumers move in advance of the tariffs.
    — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The last two pictures, Trump and Harris, are displayed without biographies, though each has a brief one on the gallery’s website, theyalsoran.com.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • Seek out the most compelling narratives that inspire enigmatic perfumes from cult favorites like 19-69 and D.S & Durga.
    — Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Perseverance's adventures have revealed some insights about the enigmatic Martian geology.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of enigmatic
Adjective
  • There was also his curt response to a strange controversy over his decision not to include an image of Armstrong planting the American flag on the moon.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
  • He was dispatched in a curt, five-sentence press release.
    — Jack Lang, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Definition of curt
Adjective
  • Honesty without emotional attunement can become a weapon in relationships, with truth being used as blunt force, not a bridge for connection.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • What to watch: In Europe and Canada — two of America's largest trading partners — officials have been blunt about the realities of a global system where the United States is less prominent.
    — Axios, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of blunt

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ellipses
elliptical
elliptically
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Cite this Entry

“Elliptical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elliptical. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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