equivocal

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adjective

Definition of EQUIVOCAL

1

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged <the evidence that this latest diet really results in lasting weight loss is certainly equivocal>

Synonyms debatable, disputable, dodgy [chiefly British], doubtable, dubious, dubitable, equivocal, fishy, problematic (also problematical), queer, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious

Related Words alleged, so-called, supposed; moot; ambiguous, open, unclear; uncertain, undecided, undetermined; far-fetched, flimsy, improbable, unlikely, weak

Near Antonyms decisive, definitive; clear, obvious, open-and-shut, positive

Antonyms certain, hands-down, incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, questionless, sure, undeniable, undoubted, unproblematic, unquestionable

2

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning <his demand that I promptly pay what I owe him ended with the equivocal threat “or else”>

Synonyms ambiguous, arcane, cryptic, dark, deep, Delphic, double-edged, elliptical (or elliptic), enigmatic (also enigmatical), equivocal, fuliginous, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, occult, opaque

Related Words abstruse, esoteric, recondite; cloaked, concealed, disguised, masked, shrouded; beclouded, bedimmed, befogged, clouded, cloudy, dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indistinct, indistinguishable, misty, muddy, obfuscatory, obnubilated, obscurant (or obscurantic), shaded, shadowlike, shadowy, sphinxlike; indefinite, inexact, inexplicit, noncommittal, questionable, unclear, uncertain, undefined, undetermined, vague; impenetrable, incomprehensible, indecipherable, inexplicable; eerie (also eery), uncanny, weird; impalpable, inappreciable, intangible, invisible; unanswerable, unknowable; baffling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, mystifying, perplexing, puzzling, unfathomable; circuitous, indirect, roundabout; complex, complicated, difficult, obtuse

Near Antonyms comprehensible, fathomable, intelligible, knowable, legible, pellucid, understandable; bright, distinct, evident, self-evident, self-explanatory; certain, firm, strong, sure; defined, determined; direct, straightforward; definite, exact, explicit; appreciable, palpable, tangible, visible; blatant, patent, unmistakable

Antonyms accessible, clear, nonambiguous, obvious, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal

3

having a mixture of opposing feelings <a number of people are clearly equivocal about allowing casino gambling in the state>

Synonyms ambivalent, equivocal

Related Words doubtful, faltering, irresolute, questioning, uncertain, undecided, unsure, vacillating, wobbly (also wabbly); afraid, disinclined, dubious, hesitant, indisposed, loath (also loth or loathe), reluctant

Near Antonyms certain, decided, resolute, sure, unquestioning

Antonyms unambivalent