AMBIGUOUS Synonyms: 126 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ambiguous

adjective

am-ˈbi-gyə-wəs

Definition of ambiguous next

as in cryptic

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning the exact reason for the change in plans is ambiguous, but I suspect it has something to do with money

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples of ambiguous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In Fuqua’s alternately gritty and incredibly over-the-top crime drama, Washington plays Detective Alonzo Harris, a seasoned LAPD narcotics officer whose morally ambiguous methods (to say the least) are at major odds with his partner-for-a-day, rising officer Jake Hoyt, played by Ethan Hawke. —

Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024 With less handholding, Cat Quest III aligns more closely with the tenets of a true Zelda-like experience, with quests providing more ambiguous clues or directions that need to be deciphered to figure out where to go next. —

Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2024 The filmmakers keep things purposely ambiguous, whether regarding Noah’s condition or signs that Willow may have inherited her father’s genes. —

Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 July 2024 Muck is this season’s ultra-wealthy, morally ambiguous character who throws a wedge in the already fraught relationships between Industry‘s main characters, forcing them all to finally gain a modicum of self awareness. —

Katie Campione, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ambiguous

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ambiguous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.