amphiboly

noun

am·​phib·​o·​ly am-ˈfi-bə-lē How to pronounce amphiboly (audio)
plural amphibolies
: amphibology

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin amphibolia — more at amphibology

First Known Use

circa 1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphiboly was circa 1588

Rhymes for amphiboly

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Browse Nearby Words

amphibolous
amphiboly
amphibrach
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Cite this Entry

“Amphiboly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphiboly. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on amphiboly

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amphiboly

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