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Synonym Chooser

How is the word equivocal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equivocal are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When could ambiguous be used to replace equivocal?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivocal, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When is it sensible to use cryptic instead of equivocal?

While the synonyms cryptic and equivocal are close in meaning, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

In what contexts can dark take the place of equivocal?

The meanings of dark and equivocal largely overlap; however, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

Where would enigmatic be a reasonable alternative to equivocal?

The words enigmatic and equivocal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When is obscure a more appropriate choice than equivocal?

Although the words obscure and equivocal 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 can vague be used instead of equivocal?

The words vague and equivocal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 equivocal For added drama, there was a disorderly stampede out of Treasuries and the U.S. dollar , banishing hope and leaving an upside air pocket that was partially filled when buyers seized on the Trump administration’s equivocal feints toward a de-escalation of trade aggressions. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025 While cancellation options are available in advance of the other three periods—broadly speaking, advertisers may back out of between 25% and 50% of their Q1, Q2 and Q3 upfront allocations—the ontological status of fall buys is a lot less equivocal. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Yet before the press arrived, Trump shared a different, less equivocal message with El Salvador’s dictatorial president, Nayib Bukele, who has already built sprawling maximum-security complexes in service of Trump’s scheme to deport noncitizens out of legal reach. Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 Trump himself has been equivocal about whether the US should defend Taiwan, has threatened to withdraw troops from US allies like South Korea and Japan as leverage in trade talks, and the US military has actually moved some valuable military resources out of East Asia. Joshua Keating, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for equivocal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivocal
Adjective
  • After making his return Sunday from a two-week absence due to a toe injury, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will be questionable to play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams because of toe soreness, general manager John Lynch said Tuesday morning.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Everyone else on our team is questionable.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Total repatriations When examining total repatriations — people returned to their country of origin — a more ambiguous picture emerges.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Whereas many tech deals are conducted in equity of ambiguous value, this one was done in cold, hard cash, though the product itself is by no means a sure bet.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Experts say women who are unsure should talk with their health care provider about their individual breast cancer risk and the potential benefits and drawbacks of different screening methods.
    Dr. Megha Gupta, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Another 31 percent remain unsure or sympathize equally with both.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps Musk didn’t care whether a dubious video accusing Disney World employees of being pedophiles was true.
    Jacob Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • When Kimberly and her family leave the New Jersey suburbs under dubious circumstances, Kimberly reevaluates her life while dealing with her hypochondriac mother, alcoholic father, scam-artist aunt, her own mortality and her first love.
    Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While filming season 3 of Special Forces, Bachelorette alum Trista Sutter's husband, Ryan Sutter, shared a cryptic Instagram post about her being gone, which sparked speculation about their relationship status.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
  • At some point, though, meaning that is sufficiently cryptic becomes indistinguishable from no meaning at all.
    Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But many dissidents felt profoundly ambivalent toward a society that, despite having become better educated and more urbanized, was also more dependent than ever on the state.
    Benjamin Nathans September 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Still, during her life, Hagerty remained ambivalent about her brush with fame.
    Hannah Shirley, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That time, a very disputable foul denied him.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • McManus came on to secure the tie, and Jones quickly made his way to a locker room full of conflicted emotions.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The album is a hot mess of conflicted emotions, empty braggadocio, poor technique, and heartbreaking yet tiresome crying jags.
    Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivocal. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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