obscure

obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

• • obscure poems

dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

• • muttered dark hints of revenge

vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

• • a vague sense of obligation

enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

• • enigmatic occult writings

cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

• • cryptic hints of hidden treasure

ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

• • an ambiguous directive

equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

• • moral precepts with equivocal phrasing