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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

When could ambiguous be used to replace vague?

Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague?

While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague?

The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague?

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

enigmatic occult writings

When might equivocal be a better fit than vague?

While the synonyms equivocal and vague 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

When can obscure be used instead of vague?

The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

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 vague This film, set in 1956, hops between the Palazzo Korda, its protagonist’s cavernous mansion, and different quarters of Modern Greater Independent Phoenicia, a vague Middle Eastern nation that’s depicted as an array of deserts, warring factions, and colonial outposts. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 18 May 2025 You’d likely be confused — business is so complex that a vague question like that is difficult to answer. Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 17 May 2025 There are enough vague, intractable whispers of diplomacy and further talks about talks, to provide the tantalising promise of a deal, without striking, or even delineating one. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 May 2025 The fourth male juror is a 51-year-old scientist with a PhD in molecular biology who also had vague knowledge of the case. Caroline Blair, People.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vague
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vague
Adjective
  • When things move fast, when expectations are unclear or when there’s a fear of looking bad, people naturally go into self-protective mode.
    Saby Waraich, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • What remains unclear There are uncertainties about CIF’s changes, especially regarding new placement rules.
    Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Though famous for its hazy IPAs, Outer Range has stepped up its game in lagers, pilsners, stouts, saisons and Belgians.
    Shauna Farnell, Denver Post, 27 May 2025
  • The potential July trade market for relievers is hazy.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • At first unsure, Ester allows the guy to touch her, and as a viewer the scene is ambiguous.
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • The camera flies out over the water, and neither Cecilie nor the audience gets a definitive answer, with the series coming to an ambiguous and unsettling end.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Fortunately, telescopic technology has come a long way in the past 95 years, with deep surveys that can capture the passage of a faint object.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 30 May 2025
  • In Court Musk Announces His Exit From Trump Administration—What To Know The faint signal from navigation satellites is easy to jam.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The purpose of Memorial Day also has become fuzzier because there are ever fewer veterans to tell the story.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • Her wish comes true in the form of a gleefully chaotic fuzzy blue creature who is the combination of a rambunctious toddler, puppy and koala, with a toothy grin, deadly claws and an irresistible butt wiggle.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The blue, silver, and lavender sparkly dress featured a corseted waist and sweetheart neckline—a silhouette and style straight from the Lauren Sánchez school of style—and delicate silver stilettos that flashed her pale pink pedicure.
    Vogue, Vogue, 23 May 2025
  • And then, to drive the dagger into Michaela even more, Simone walks down the stairs in a stunning pale blue dress that Michaela had made for her.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is no evidence that Ms. Harris paid for the endorsements, although details on celebrity engagements can be somewhat murky.
    Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • Even as the temporary agreement between the U.S. and China has lifted sentiment this week, some major U.S. companies are issuing warnings about rising costs and a murky macroeconomic outlook.
    Pia Singh,Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • There are some opaque methods for opening car tailgates, but Smart’s must be one of the most obscure.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • That brings us to Biden’s cancer, a diagnosis that surely cast a pall over the various book tours and panel discussions on what the Bidens and their handlers did or did not obscure.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vague.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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