Synonyms of equivocal

equivocal

adjective

i-ˈkwi-və-kəl 

1

as in questionable

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged

the evidence that this latest diet really results in lasting weight loss is certainly equivocal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• questionable
• dubious
• disputable
• doubtful
• suspicious
• debatable
• problematic
• suspect
• ambiguous
• shaky
• fishy
• queer
• unclear
• dubitable
• alleged
• shady
• dodgy
• doubtable
• uncertain
• unlikely
• weak
• moot
• undetermined
• supposed
• undecided
• improbable
• flimsy
• so-called
• open
• far-fetched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• certain
• unquestionable
• undoubted
• undeniable
• indisputable
• indubitable
• sure
• incontestable
• unproblematic
• decisive
• definitive
• positive
• obvious
• clear
• questionless
• hands-down
• open-and-shut

2

as in ambiguous

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning

he responded to the reporter's questions with equivocal answers or refusals to comment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ambiguous
• cryptic
• obscure
• dark
• enigmatic
• vague
• unclear
• mystic
• mysterious
• murky
• esoteric
• questionable
• opaque
• nebulous
• inscrutable
• uncertain
• occult
• Delphic
• arcane
• confusing
• elliptical
• deep
• fuliginous
• obscurant
• indistinct
• double-edged
• complicated
• fuzzy
• indirect
• recondite
• weird
• abstruse
• uncanny
• eerie
• undefined
• faint
• noncommittal
• hazy
• indefinite
• undetermined
• difficult
• inexplicable
• disguised
• puzzling
• indistinguishable
• inexact
• shadowy
• clouded
• incomprehensible
• masked
• perplexing
• shrouded
• shaded
• foggy
• concealed
• indecipherable
• muddy
• misty
• cloaked
• unanswerable
• inexplicit
• baffling
• obfuscatory
• complex
• dim
• intangible
• invisible
• cloudy
• confounding
• impalpable
• unknowable
• inappreciable
• sphinxlike
• bewildering
• mystifying
• impenetrable
• beclouded
• befogged
• obtuse
• shadowlike
• unfathomable
• bedimmed
• circuitous
• roundabout
• obnubilated

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obvious
• clear
• unequivocal
• unambiguous
• plain
• evident
• understandable
• accessible
• intelligible
• distinct
• certain
• comprehensible
• legible
• strong
• sure
• bright
• direct
• defined
• knowable
• explicit
• firm
• definite
• nonambiguous
• determined
• pellucid
• straightforward
• fathomable
• self-evident
• exact
• visible
• self-explanatory
• appreciable
• tangible
• palpable
• unmistakable
• blatant
• patent

3

as in unsure

having a mixture of opposing feelings

a number of people are clearly equivocal about allowing casino gambling in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unsure
• ambivalent
• afraid
• conflicted
• uncertain
• hesitant
• questioning
• doubtful
• reluctant
• irresolute
• dubious
• wobbly
• undecided
• faltering
• vacillating
• loath
• indisposed
• disinclined

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unambivalent
• certain
• resolute
• decided
• sure
• unquestioning

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

Recent Examples of equivocal

Western blot: If the ELISA is positive or equivocal, this more specific test is used to help confirm the presence of Lyme antibodies. —Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

And yet, by the time of Borlaug’s death, his accomplishments were looking increasingly equivocal. —Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 23 June 2025

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

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

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