Synonyms: esoteric
Definition: confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
Usage: a compilation of esoteric philosophical theories
Similar words: abstruse, recondite, deep
Definition: difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
Usage: the professor's lectures were so abstruse that students tended to avoid them; a deep metaphysical theory; some recondite problem in historiography
Similar words: arcane
Definition: requiring secret or mysterious knowledge
Usage: the arcane science of dowsing
Similar words: sibylline, cabalistic, cryptic, cryptical, qabalistic, kabbalistic
Definition: having a secret or hidden meaning
Usage: cabalistic symbols engraved in stone; cryptic writings; thoroughly sibylline in most of his pronouncements- John Gunther
Similar words: secret, occult, orphic, mysterious, mystic, mystical
Definition: having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding
Usage: mysterious symbols; the mystical style of Blake; occult lore; the secret learning of the ancients