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ambiguous information
ambivalent information
uncertain information
vague information
unclear information
inconclusive information
an ambiguous attitude
an ambivalent attitude
an enigmatic attitude
an ambient attitude
an elusive attitude
an indecisive attitude
an ambiguous legacy
a mixed legacy
a controversial legacy
a questionable legacy
a contradictory legacy
an uncertain legacy
an ambiguous statement
a vague statement
a nebulous statement
a mysterious statement
a cryptic statement
an imprecise statement
an ambiguous position
an indeterminable position
an unspecified position
an indecisive position
an undefined position
an uncertain position

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ambiguous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of ambiguous are cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When can cryptic be used instead of ambiguous?

The words cryptic and ambiguous can be used in similar contexts, but cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When would dark be a good substitute for ambiguous?

The words dark and ambiguous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

When is it sensible to use enigmatic instead of ambiguous?

The synonyms enigmatic and ambiguous are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When could equivocal be used to replace ambiguous?

While the synonyms equivocal and ambiguous are close in meaning, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

In what contexts can obscure take the place of ambiguous?

Although the words obscure and ambiguous have much in common, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When is vague a more appropriate choice than ambiguous?

While in some cases nearly identical to ambiguous, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

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 ambiguous That would be Mark Rylance as Henry’s lord privy seal, Thomas Cromwell, an endlessly fascinating and ambiguous figure—brilliant, scheming, moral—whom Rylance animates with gravity and kaleidoscopic skill. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025 An unlikely ally to Tanner and Luca as tensions rise, but loyalties remain ambiguous. Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 In 2024, the court overturned the Chevron doctrine, which required courts to defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations when laws were ambiguous. Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025 Okay, there is nothing ambiguous about this Taylor Swift Reputation Easter egg. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
Adjective
  • And this looks to have that signature Souls flavor both in terms of combat and cryptic storytelling.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The note features a cryptic math puzzle that, when solved correctly using a unique personal identifier, reveals the phone number of the person who found the wallet.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Republicans are expected to move the legislation on an obscure procedural track, known as reconciliation, which prevents the minority Democrats from blocking the package with a filibuster in the upper chamber.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The third book currently in production is known as The Black Book, a collection of unmade inventions sourced from obscure patents filed all over the world; a fascinating ode to the limitless power of the human imagination.
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Page Turner sees the Page family consumed by the literary world — each in their own way — as its dark, foundational secret runs the risk of exposure.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Store green tea products in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Seek out the most compelling narratives that inspire enigmatic perfumes from cult favorites like 19-69 and D.S & Durga.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Perseverance's adventures have revealed some insights about the enigmatic Martian geology.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Maddox does not make vague threats toward people who run afoul of him.
    Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The administration has been more vague, however, on programs such as classes that teach Black history.
    Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the second episode, Arthur and his queen, Guinevere, are presiding over a feast when it is interrupted by a mysterious visitor, a blind harpist, guided into court by a white dog.
    Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Despite Shauna trying to blame her for all the mysterious things happening to her in season 3, Melissa says that Shauna is the problem, the real anti-hero, so to speak.
    Stacy Lambe, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • How long those plates can keep spinning is unclear, especially as tariffs start nudging up costs for American consumers.
    Anne Marie Drummond Lee, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But the net effects remain unclear, and would depend on each particular player’s strength and swing.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Details are still murky with the plan yet to be formally presented to the all-powerful ICC board.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The process, however, has been murky based on which military branch people are looking to return to, with only the Navy offering a solid idea of the decision.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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