Definition of equivocalnext
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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 However, for higher dose, systemic estrogen therapy — which is absorbed into the blood stream — including estrogen pills, Christmas and other menopause experts are more equivocal about removing the black box warning. Allison Aubrey, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025 But both the text and the history of Article II are far more equivocal than the current Court has been suggesting. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 Western blot: If the ELISA is positive or equivocal, this more specific test is used to help confirm the presence of Lyme antibodies. Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 And yet, by the time of Borlaug’s death, his accomplishments were looking increasingly equivocal. Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for equivocal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivocal
Adjective
  • And the audio and video recording of women is a questionable feature of every camp – even if the men here don’t see it that way.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • And the majority of students who require calculus for their eventual major end up retaking the introductory college course anyway—suggesting that the high school rush to calculus provides questionable academic benefit for most who undertake it.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rubio met with Gulf Arab leaders in Bahrain on Thursday in an effort to assuage their concerns over certain terms of the MOU, including the ambiguous language around the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 26 June 2026
  • With one, everything the best-performing agent learns is written into a layer for the next—how to handle a difficult customer, which exception patterns resolved cleanly, what an ambiguous edge case meant for the business.
    Sarah Elk, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, their adult children may feel unsure about how to — or even whether to — insert themselves.
    Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 26 June 2026
  • Now that the Fan Fest has been canceled for the afternoon, thousands of Netherlands fans are unsure where to go.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The guest star’s fate looks dubious in an exclusive new clip released Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s sixth episode.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026
  • Japan has long held the dubious honor of a revolving door of prime ministers.
    Gail Krishnan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • His doctors speculated his infection might have been a rare case of cryptic transmission from sharing meals and bathrooms with his coworkers, one of whom apparently had a tapeworm infection.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026
  • The Drama stirred debate on social media over its cryptic marketing campaign that did not directly divulge the main focus of the film.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • South Korean public opinion, especially among younger generations, has also grown increasingly ambivalent about the potentially enormous economic and social costs reunification would entail.
    Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 June 2026
  • Garrett is ambivalent about playing hockey, which he was forced into by his cold and extremely famous star-athlete father (Steve Howey, giving perfect network-procedural-bad-guy energy).
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • However, disputable refereeing decisions, especially in the matches against Italy and Spain, led to allegations that South Korea may have benefited from favorable officiating.
    Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026
  • Speech — Intimidation as censorship The First Amendment protects disputable speech, not agreeable.
    Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That's the part so many seem afraid to say out loud.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • The people who worked for cooperatives were particularly afraid.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equivocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivocal. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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