Try This Instead

For
Try This
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 Grief is a massive wave of thoughts and emotions, ambiguous and unrelenting. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025 Julianne Moore breaks down her character's choices, as well as that deliberately ambiguous ending. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 June 2025 The inconsistency of the geographical settings goes hand in hand with the how their American protagonists are depicted as inept operators whose heroism is ambiguous Soon after his arrival in Saigon, Andrews mistakes an advertisement for a dubious massage parlor as a clue from a local contact. H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025 That’s negativity bias in action—the cognitive reflex to prioritize potential threats over neutral or positive cues, especially when the situation is ambiguous. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
Adjective
  • Outraged, Gauguin located an obscure French law that proved only children within a four-kilometre radius of a school were bound to attend.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
  • Chartreuse Made by actual French monks based on a nearly 300-year-old secret recipe, this high-proof, kelly green spirit is a bit of an obscure flex.
    Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The same narrative was recycled, almost ritualistically, whenever the enigmatic artist took the stage.
    Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Her voice soon catches the attention of the admired and enigmatic choirmaster Machá (Juraj Loj).
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Stories come to life only through concrete, sensory details, but my father only spoke in vague and abstract terms.
    Margot Singer July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • Though vague, Galvin said case law suggests reasonable means that the rules are consistent with the culture and character of the type of community.
    Nora O’Neill July 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 July 2025
  • In The Old Guard 2, following on from the climax of the first film, Andy must come to terms with her newfound mortality while preparing to face a mysterious foe (played by Uma Thurman).
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • What’s unclear is whether Staley even really wanted the Knicks job.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • And many of the particulars of the deal are still unclear, with the White House yet to release a term sheet or publish any proclamation codifying the agreement.
    Akayla Gardner, Fortune, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Her eyes were murky green and always cast upward and to the left.
    Ottessa Moshfegh, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Rules and regulations regarding international flight cancellations are a little murky.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • On Thursday, Bloom shared a series of cryptic quotes from Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung on Instagram.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • The team also discovered two more new species: the cryptic Namib day gecko and the miniature Namib day gecko.
    Aspen Pflughoeft July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Further projects include psychological thriller The Olive Press, set in the mystic world of the Druze community in Mount Lebanon, from writer and director Samah El Kadi, and co-written by Nadim Chammas.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 May 2025
  • In an era when nearly everything feels politicized and uncertain, these mystic tools offer something precious: a means of reconnecting with ourselves.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ambiguous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!