as in esoteric
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand
you're not the only one who finds Einstein's theory of relativity abstruse
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Recent Examples of abstruse
Kamala Harris’ penchant for strings of abstruse verbiage — popularly known as word salads — was one of several reasons her presidential campaign failed last year.
—
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025
Also, his estimate arose from abstruse economic formulas and lots of magic asterisks.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Some questioned what the White House could gain from reviewing abstruse rules for nuclear safety.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 9 May 2025
Into Breaking Its Own Rules To emphasize the importance of math, Winkler displayed a handful of abstruse equations.
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstruse
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025
Also, his estimate arose from abstruse economic formulas and lots of magic asterisks.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Some questioned what the White House could gain from reviewing abstruse rules for nuclear safety.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 9 May 2025
Into Breaking Its Own Rules To emphasize the importance of math, Winkler displayed a handful of abstruse equations.
—Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstruse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstruse
Adjective
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As esoteric as its collection may seem, the bookstore itself makes exploration approachable.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
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Afshar has been returning to Iran’s southern islands of Hormuz and Qeshm since 2015, photographing the land, its residents and the invisible, esoteric forces that shape life there — the winds, which locals believe to be powerful entities.—
Adam Pourahmadi,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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These advancements demonstrate the technology’s rapid evolution from basic digital navigation to complex physical interaction, offering patients a path to re-engage with society in profound new ways.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
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The film will chart Butcher’s life on and off the pitch, including the profound impact of losing his son, as well as his subsequent work with peer-support organization Combat2Coffee.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstruse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstruse. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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