esoteric

adjective

ˌe-sə-ˈter-ik How to pronounce esoteric (audio)
Definition of esotericnext
1
as in profound
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand metaphysics is such an esoteric subject that most people are content to leave it to the philosophers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confidential
not known or meant to be known by the general populace must have had some esoteric motive for leaving his art collection to a museum halfway around the globe

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 esoteric This offers the do-it-yourself warrior a simple, direct route from antiquated lead-acid to state-of-the-art lithium without having to search for esoteric parts online. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026 The artist’s sculptures feature gothic and esoteric aesthetics, with some even incorporating decaying animal parts à la Damien Hirst. — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026 There are too many lessons learned to impart, and one of the least esoteric is to pack smart. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 22 June 2026 His esoteric sidewalk pasta pop-up, Estrano, happens sporadically. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for esoteric
Recent Examples of Synonyms for esoteric
  1. profound
  2. confidential
  3. scholarly
  4. private
  5. secret
  6. undisclosed
Adjective
  • The film delves into Peter's profound isolation and responsibility, featuring emotional reunions and a mind-controlling villain.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The ship’s laboratory experienced profound changes as well – including both its placement on the vessel and the actual space.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of profound
Adjective
  • Imagine if legal issues, confidential complaints, private stakeholders and so on were mentioned or included.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The plane had transported the ammunition from France to Germany and was due for onward travel, according to a report from Süddeutsche Zeitung, NDR and WDR, citing a confidential police report.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of confidential
Adjective
  • That means regular public access through exhibitions, posted hours, or tours, along with educational programs, lectures, and publications, scholarly research access, and rigorous cataloging.
    — Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Young told the court about his chaotic upbringing and his recent scholarly pursuits.
    — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of scholarly
Adjective
  • For context, the median private SaaS company generates about $141,000 of revenue per employee, while the leading AI-native companies are running at twenty times that or more.
    — Michael Wee, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Greece’s firefighting department said Sunday the fire apparently began from sparks emitted by a faulty power line transporting electricity from a private wind generator facility to the main electricity network.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of private
Adjective
  • Burke then allegedly visited Lake Elsinore and paid one of her classmates $1,000 to slip her a secret phone.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, Bret, who is gay and desperate to keep it secret, is immediately drawn to Robert.
    — Leo Lasdun, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of secret
Adjective
  • While many details remain undisclosed, the announcement confirms that Beijing is continuing to strengthen its nuclear deterrent as part of a broader military modernisation strategy.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
  • However, rookie kicker Trey Smack struggled, making only 3-of-5 field goals, and cornerback Carrington Valentine left practice with an undisclosed injury.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of undisclosed

Browse Nearby Words

esculent
esoteric
esotericism
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Cite this Entry

“Esoteric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/esoteric. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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