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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 As wallflower Penelope Featherington, who harbors a double identity as the controversial Lady Whistledown, Coughlan was tasked not just with making the ton’s resident introvert a mesmerizing lead but also with bringing humanity to her character’s morally ambiguous actions. Abigail Lee, Variety, 6 June 2025 Kissinger's realpolitik may have had its flaws—often ruthless and always morally ambiguous— but it was grounded in a coherent understanding of power and diplomacy. Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 The exact time of that decision is unknown, fitting for Alvarez’s ambiguous 26-day saga on the injured list. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Without a clear roadmap, friendship breakups often feel ambiguous, or sometimes lead to unnecessary hurt. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 7 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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • The story in the graphic novel picks up 10 years after the events of the eponymous 1980 movie, as Joliet Jake disappears from prison under mysterious circumstances.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025
  • All do so, apart from the titular madman, who has a mysterious reason to stay behind.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The number of passengers on board and cause of the crash is unclear.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • The extent to which that price shock would be sustainable is unclear.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The questions, though, are a bit different this offseason, as Toronto’s optimal path forward is pretty murky, and any mistakes management makes in the next few weeks will only compound their issues.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • The highlighting reticles for discoverables are thankfully forgiving — ideal for the murky depths that would otherwise hide them.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • The cryptic introduction is a subtle nod to the bartenders that the patron is about to order one of four drinks from the Burning Blade secret menu.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
  • The moment helped confirm a romance that had been rumored for several months following several cryptic Instagram posts.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Something of a mystic, just like af Klint, Martin found meaning and structure in artistic practice and spiritual rigor.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
  • This book contains the first English translation of the writings of af Klint, a Swedish painter and mystic.
    Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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