ambiguous

adjective

am-ˈbi-gyə-wəs How to pronounce ambiguous (audio)
Definition of ambiguousnext
as in cryptic
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning the exact reason for the change in plans is ambiguous, but I suspect it has something to do with money

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Rather than a group of murderous gays with a mysterious connection to Greg Hunt, the initiator of the debauchery this time is Chloe — a hot party girl with an ambiguous past and a slightly less mysterious connection to Greg Hunt (now going by Gary). —Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025 Team Harris’s strategy appeared to rely heavily on a short campaign window, with a sparse interview schedule, slow windup to unscripted events, and ambiguous policy positions. —W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 Instead, security leaders typically present compliance checklists, regulatory obligations and ambiguous risk scores that executives then struggle to translate into financial and operational impact. —Jerry Layden, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Last week, Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Committee on Natural Resources argued at an oversight meeting that the Endangered Species Act was an overreach of federal authority and an ambiguous statute, as part of a broader reexamination of conservation laws. —Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
  1. cryptic
  2. obscure
  3. dark
  4. enigmatic
  5. vague
  6. mysterious
  7. unclear
  8. murky
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
  • Breakup rumors swirled around the Australian tennis star, 29, and his influencer girlfriend over the weekend after eagle-eyed fans noticed cryptic messaging on their respective social media accounts across Instagram and TikTok.
    — Skyler Caruso, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of cryptic
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
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • TikTok briefly went dark in the US and was pulled from app stores on Jan. 18.
    — Chloe Albanesius, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Definition of dark
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
Definition of enigmatic
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
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • The first season saw Charles eventually wrap the case and leave the nursing home to return to his life, but ended with the PI calling him again to seek his help on a mysterious new case.
    — Lauren Huff, EW.com, 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
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • The circumstances of the accident were unclear Monday.
    — Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • How Wednesday’s severe weather will impact specific metro areas or what time the brunt of the storms are expected to hit is still unclear at this time, Ratzer said.
    — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of unclear
Adjective
  • From the murky swamp to the kingdom of Duloc, Shrek has captured hearts with its wit, adventures and hilarious dialogue.
    — Jane LaCroix, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The charm offensive contrasted with DOGE's murky blitz through the federal government in the last two months, which has resulted in mass layoffs and entire agencies being effectively shuttered.
    — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of murky

Browse Nearby Words

ambiguity
ambiguous
ambiguously
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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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