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equivocal

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of equivocal

1 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 of equivocal

debatable, disputable, dodgy [chiefly British], doubtable, doubtful, dubious, dubitable, fishy, problematic (also problematical), queer, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious
Words Related to equivocal

alleged, so-called, supposed

moot

ambiguous, open, unclear

uncertain, undecided, undetermined

far-fetched, flimsy, improbable, unlikely, weak
Near Antonyms of equivocal

decisive, definitive

clear, obvious, open-and-shut, positive
Antonyms of equivocal

certain, hands-down, incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, questionless, sure, undeniable, undoubted, unproblematic, unquestionable

2 having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning

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

ambiguous, arcane, cryptic, dark, deep, Delphic, double-edged, elliptical (or elliptic), enigmatic (also enigmatical), fuliginous, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, obscure, occult, opaque
Words Related to equivocal

abstruse, esoteric, recondite

cloaked, concealed, disguised, masked, shrouded

beclouded, bedimmed, befogged, clouded, cloudy, dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indistinct, indistinguishable, misty, muddy, obfuscatory, obnubilated, obscurant (or obscurantic), shaded, shadowlike, shadowy, sphinxlike

indefinite, inexact, inexplicit, noncommittal, questionable, unclear, uncertain, undefined, undetermined, vague

impenetrable, incomprehensible, indecipherable, inexplicable

eerie (also eery), uncanny, weird

impalpable, inappreciable, intangible, invisible

unanswerable, unknowable

baffling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, mystifying, perplexing, puzzling, unfathomable

circuitous, indirect, roundabout

complex, complicated, difficult, obtuse
Near Antonyms of equivocal

comprehensible, fathomable, intelligible, knowable, legible, pellucid, understandable

bright, distinct, evident, self-evident, self-explanatory

certain, firm, strong, sure

defined, determined

direct, straightforward

definite, exact, explicit

appreciable, palpable, tangible, visible

blatant, patent, unmistakable
Antonyms of equivocal

accessible, clear, nonambiguous, obvious, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal

3 having a mixture of opposing feelings

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

ambivalent, conflicted
Words Related to equivocal

doubtful, faltering, irresolute, questioning, uncertain, undecided, unsure, vacillating, wobbly (also wabbly)

afraid, disinclined, dubious, hesitant, indisposed, loath (also loth), reluctant
Near Antonyms of equivocal

certain, decided, resolute, sure, unquestioning
Antonyms of equivocal

unambivalent

Synonym Discussion of equivocal

obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.
    • obscure poems
dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.
    • muttered dark hints of revenge
vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.
    • a vague sense of obligation
enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.
    • enigmatic occult writings
cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.
    • cryptic hints of hidden treasure
ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.
    • an ambiguous directive
equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.
    • moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

Learn More about equivocal

  1. See words that rhyme with equivocal Dictionary: Definition of equivocal Spanish Central: Translation of equivocal Nglish: Translation of equivocal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of equivocal for Arabic speakers

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