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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
  • Of all the questionable advice pinging around social media platforms, this one really stinks—literally.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Chargers said initially that Mack was questionable to return due to an elbow injury, but was downgraded to out after he was seen on the sideline with his pads off and his arm in a sling.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike Europe's clear regulatory framework under PSD2, American enterprises operate in a more ambiguous environment where implementation decisions must account for evolving compliance requirements and uncertain regulatory timelines.
    Dave Glaser, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Dani's on-again, off-again relationship with playboy photographer Andre — who's also her sister's ex's nephew — has become more ambiguous than ever in recent weeks.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead of clarity and a sense of financial empowerment, individuals experience costly missteps and are left unsure of where to find reliable guidance—eroding any trust in the mainstream financial system.
    Sandy Anderson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • These cases have raised concerns about overzealous responses from companies, and left many companies unsure of how to proceed.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Promotions of dubious health products online were a problem long before AI.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Conversely, the models are generally not rewarded for expressing doubt, omitting dubious details, or requesting clarification.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But Fellowes remains cryptic when asked about possible spinoff series or films.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Maine native has a history of using her outfits to send cryptic messages.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to climate change, Cosmism’s ambivalent and generally hostile attitude towards the natural world should also sound familiar.
    Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Reactions to Breinberg’s victory were respectful and occasionally ambivalent.
    Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That time, a very disputable foul denied him.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The cringe comedy series centering a conflicted Hollywood executive (Rogen) walked away with a whopping 13 awards, which included outstanding comedy series, outstanding writing for a comedy series and outstanding directing for a comedy series.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Trump, who has sometimes seemed conflicted about the anti-vax sentiment in his coalition that prevents him from claiming more credit for Operation Warp Speed, has thoroughly capitulated to the political reality that Kennedy is a useful ally.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivocal. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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