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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of equivocal are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When could ambiguous be used to replace equivocal?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivocal, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When is it sensible to use cryptic instead of equivocal?

While the synonyms cryptic and equivocal are close in meaning, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

In what contexts can dark take the place of equivocal?

The meanings of dark and equivocal largely overlap; however, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

Where would enigmatic be a reasonable alternative to equivocal?

The words enigmatic and equivocal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When is obscure a more appropriate choice than equivocal?

Although the words obscure and equivocal 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 can vague be used instead of equivocal?

The words vague and equivocal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 equivocal Yet before the press arrived, Trump shared a different, less equivocal message with El Salvador’s dictatorial president, Nayib Bukele, who has already built sprawling maximum-security complexes in service of Trump’s scheme to deport noncitizens out of legal reach. Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 Still, even in those instances, Scott offers equivocal lessons. Nikil Saval, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 Some conservative deficit hawks are much less equivocal. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 11 Jan. 2025 His contribution to the Wende exhibition stands out as a sweeping portrait of a surveillance state and the paradoxically equivocal picture that arises when hundreds of millions of video cameras are monitoring everything that happens in public. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for equivocal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivocal
Adjective
  • The hardcore wipe in Escape From Tarkov got off to a rough start, with some questionable decisions or simple oversights that really hampered the player experience.
    Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • With questionable Dolphins secondary, can better pass rush make up for the back end?
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, she was designed to be ethnically ambiguous for that reason, suggested Carlos Cortés, professor emeritus in history at UC Riverside, who consulted the creative team.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • Emojis in texts: More than just fun, a tool for connection While emojis can sometimes be ambiguous or misunderstood, especially in sarcastic or complex conversations, their overall impact is positive.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Without the autonomy to approve such costs within the agency, employees are unsure of their responsibilities.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 11 July 2025
  • The filmmaker, unsure his story was appropriate at such a moment, was encouraged by Masharawi to proceed.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • In his regulation dark navy blazer, Prince George is in command, if slightly dubious about the goings on, at the oak desk of the rail.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The end result is two teams — the White Sox last year, and the Rockies this year — that face an uncomfortable situation of fighting to avoid these dubious marks.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • On Thursday, Bloom shared a series of cryptic quotes from Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung on Instagram.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • The team also discovered two more new species: the cryptic Namib day gecko and the miniature Namib day gecko.
    Aspen Pflughoeft July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Iranians, after all, are ambivalent about the state’s reaction.
    MOHAMMAD AYATOLLAHI TABAAR, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2025
  • For the first time in the history of the rivalry, both sides had to deal with the kind of ambivalent compromise that reflects that spirit of the original Michigan-Ohio War.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Analysts say the market is currently in a conflicted state, mainly due to credibility concerns over the Trump administration.
    , CNBC, 9 July 2025
  • For instance, as of July 4, Neptune retrograde in Aries is activating your eighth house of mergers, shared resources and psychological motivations, stirring up unresolved emotional baggage and conflicted energies around intimate affairs or joint ventures.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to a survey conducted for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, more than 70% of Americans have felt either cautious or uncertain about their financial situation over the past 12 months.
    Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
  • This enormous — and uncertain — data center growth should not be Maryland’s responsibility.
    David S. Lapp, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivocal. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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