vague

adjective

ˈvāg How to pronounce vague (audio)
Definition of vaguenext
1
as in unclear
not expressed in precise terms gave as vague a reply as he could, hoping not to give away the surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hazy
not seen or understood clearly I have only a vague idea of what you're talking about

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Opponents of the bill also raised the alarm about its vague wording and argued that such a law could be catastrophic for Idahoans, especially in rural areas with already-limited access to health care, Taylor said. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2025 This was, if anything, even vaguer than Rubio’s assertion. — Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025 Indeed, this was the plan’s principal purpose; its political prescriptions are deliberately vague, outlining a technocratic Palestinian interim administration of the territory, assisted by international peacekeepers. — Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025 But his vague promises not to completely gut Medicaid were enough to get the resolution through the House. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vague
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vague
  1. unclear
  2. hazy
  3. ambiguous
  4. faint
  5. fuzzy
  6. pale
  7. murky
  8. obscure
Adjective
  • For Tandy, portraying Fela meant stepping into the shoes of a woman whose true intentions remain unclear until the film’s final moments—adding layers of tension and intrigue to the story.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Hackman and Arakawa were mysteriously found dead in their Santa Fe home during a Feb. 26 welfare check with authorities unclear about their causes of death.
    — Alex Stone, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of unclear
Adjective
  • The recent Hubble image, which was shared online on March 17, also captures a nebula that casts a hazy blue-greenish shadow over part of the star cluster.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • There are so many moments of hazy slow-motion, of dramatic music, the constant shallow depth-of-field camera work.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of hazy
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Deeper within the planet, though, the surface might be emanating a faint red, due to incandescence resulting from being baked by its star.
    — Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Fore one, telescopes have difficulty distinguishing the faint light from a planet from the much brighter light emitted by its host star.
    — Victoria Corless, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • Brownlee used the same vehicle, equipped with a fuzzy blue steering wheel cover, to drive to and from each of the robberies, according to a statement.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2025
  • In briefings for reporters earlier this week, administration officials were fuzzy on their plans.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of fuzzy
Adjective
  • Later, the abject widow is found huddled with her relatives in the pale curve of an empty swimming pool, a glowing charcoal imbaula nearby to keep them warm.
    — Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The color of rhubarb can naturally vary from pale pink to deep red depending on the variety and how it was grown; the deep red stalks will give you the most stunning color, but the green stalks are perfectly tasty as well. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe to your taste.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of pale
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
Adjective
  • Chicagoans may be following the back and forth between the City Council and Chicago Public Schools leadership over an obscure pension payment and wonder how does this affect me?
    — Jason Ervin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Couple that with obscure sourcing practices, harmful environmental impacts, and questionable animal welfare practices, and the cost of it all starts to add up.
    — Sam Delgado, Vox, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of obscure

Browse Nearby Words

vagrants
vague
vaguely
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Cite this Entry

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

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