arcane

adjective

ar·​cane är-ˈkān How to pronounce arcane (audio)
Synonyms of arcane
: known or knowable only to a few people : secret
arcane rites
an arcane ritual
broadly : mysterious, obscure
arcane explanations
arcane technical details

Synonyms of arcane

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Examples of arcane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
All the weirdo arcane seemingly head-scratching things are just this the honest documentary of us as kids in the late ’90s in Tempe, Arizona, and the surrounding area. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026 So why is a space reporter writing about this arcane corner of American history? — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026 The process was an arcane, possibly unworkable attempt to solve a problem—widespread noncitizen voting—that simply doesn’t exist. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 The cat had blood pouring from its mouth and was surrounded by arcane symbols scrawled on the walls, court documents show. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for arcane

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin arcānus "secret, private, intimate," from arca "chest, coffer, box" + -ānus -an entry 2 — more at ark

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arcane was in 1547

Rhymes for arcane

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Browse Nearby Words

Arcady
arcane
arcanist
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Cite this Entry

“Arcane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arcane. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of arcane for Spanish Speakers

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