esoteric

noun

An esoteric doctrine or treatise; esoteric philosophy.

One who believes, or is an initiate, in esoteric doctrines or rites.

adjective

Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest, or an enlightened inner circle.

Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.

Confidential; private.

Roots

esoeso- · Greek · within, inner

Synonyms for esoteric

arcaneadj occultn reconditeadj abstruseadj mysticadj cabalisticadj crypticadj theosophicaladj transcendentaladj mysteriousadj

Synonyms & related words for esoteric

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of esoteric — including arcane, occult, recondite, abstruse, mystic, cabalistic. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to esoteric

Explore words related to esoteric — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include esoterically, esotericist, esotericism, esoterica, arcanely, kabbalistic, mystical, arcana. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for esoteric

Common synonyms for esoteric include arcane, occult, recondite, abstruse, mystic, cabalistic, cryptic, theosophical — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does esoteric come from?

The word esoteric breaks down into one root of Greek origin: the root eso-, from Greek eso (“within, inner”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.