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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 Grief is a massive wave of thoughts and emotions, ambiguous and unrelenting. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025 Julianne Moore breaks down her character's choices, as well as that deliberately ambiguous ending. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 June 2025 The inconsistency of the geographical settings goes hand in hand with the how their American protagonists are depicted as inept operators whose heroism is ambiguous Soon after his arrival in Saigon, Andrews mistakes an advertisement for a dubious massage parlor as a clue from a local contact. H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025 That’s negativity bias in action—the cognitive reflex to prioritize potential threats over neutral or positive cues, especially when the situation is ambiguous. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
Adjective
  • Their final products include paintings, sketches, audio recordings, sculptures and videos of some of the Louvre’s most iconic artworks, as well as some of its more obscure.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
  • Once a relatively obscure topic, college accreditation has become a frequent target of conservative criticism.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Outside of the players, the series did leave several survivors, including the game’s enigmatic overseer, The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who ended his time on the series by tracking down Gi-hun’s estranged daughter, Ga-yeong (Jo Ah-in), in Los Angeles.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025
  • Or, is this high-profile loss, and others of recent vintage, for the middle lane of the Democratic Party due more to poor centrist standard-bearers (and enigmatic extremists) rather than the actual political positions themselves?
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • All of these legal tests, however, are quite vague.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 27 June 2025
  • Brooks said Act 372 was vague and imposed problems on librarians and bookstore owners trying to avoid prosecution.
    Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 July 2025
  • In The Old Guard 2, following on from the climax of the first film, Andy must come to terms with her newfound mortality while preparing to face a mysterious foe (played by Uma Thurman).
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • What’s unclear is whether Staley even really wanted the Knicks job.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • Mercedes remains linked to Red Bull's Max Verstappen — leading to Russell's future becoming increasingly unclear.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Rules and regulations regarding international flight cancellations are a little murky.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
  • Her eyes were murky green and always cast upward and to the left.
    Ottessa Moshfegh, New Yorker, 30 June 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
  • Further projects include psychological thriller The Olive Press, set in the mystic world of the Druze community in Mount Lebanon, from writer and director Samah El Kadi, and co-written by Nadim Chammas.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 May 2025
  • In an era when nearly everything feels politicized and uncertain, these mystic tools offer something precious: a means of reconnecting with ourselves.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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