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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 Breakfast cereal brands can make ambiguous or misleading health claims, and their products can have ingredients that are not considered nutritious. Jancee Dunn, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 Storm clouds loomed over Europe, and Adolf Hitler's ambitions were not ambiguous for anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear—especially U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 Timing for the start of production is likewise ambiguous. New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025 The Giants’ closer situation now appears a bit more ambiguous than a week ago, but Melvin said Walker will have the save opportunity on Friday if the game warrants it. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
Adjective
  • The crime scene was made more terrifying by a cryptic message the killer scrawled across a wall near the victims that demanded drug money.
    David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025
  • Amid all the trade rumors going on, Antetokounmpo has made a cryptic social media post.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • Starting from a relatively obscure blog, Yarvin has emerged as one of the most prominent critics of ...
    Fred Bauer, National Review, 10 May 2025
  • Over the last few weeks, an obscure subject has sowed panic and speculation among investors, the federal government, national security experts, and business leaders: rare earth elements.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Infected roots turn unnaturally dark and mushy, or even weep.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
  • Harry, meanwhile, channeled the country theme of the show by wearing his cowboy hat with dark jeans and a gray shirt over a black top.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • His early career, however, was marked by several more enigmatic turns in films like Clay Pigeons (1998) and Gus Van Sant's Psycho remake (1998).
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 9 May 2025
  • The feature, based on an award-winning short, traces the story of an enigmatic old man living in the dunes who is unjustly accused of killing a local.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some vague stripes run down its spine, blurring together toward its tail.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
  • The instructions were vague and didn’t have many helpful illustrations.
    Kate Puhala, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Dipping in and out of this book over a few months might inspire a new reverence for the mysterious human body.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
  • The family adventure show is set at mysterious Crookhaven School where high achieving young crooks from across the world are secretly selected to hone their skills in disciplines such as deception, crimnastics, forgery and infiltration.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Also unclear is whether a tariff would apply to movies already in production overseas, or partially in foreign countries, like Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which has been shooting in Morocco, with plans for other locations including Sicily.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 May 2025
  • But Buffett’s timetable for the transition had been unclear until Saturday.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its origins are as murky as the exact proportions of the recipe.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 14 May 2025
  • Instead, the injury made his situation murky at best.
    Adam Jahns, New York Times, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ambiguous

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