Synonyms for Esoteric (same or very similar meaning)
WordNet sense 1 (having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding):
mystic, mystical, occult, secret
WordNet sense 2 (having a secret or hidden meaning):
cryptic
WordNet sense 3 (requiring secret or mysterious knowledge):
arcane
WordNet sense 4 (difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge):
abstruse, deep, recondite
From the ODE community, based on WordNet
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