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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 Some conservative deficit hawks are much less equivocal. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 11 Jan. 2025 His contribution to the Wende exhibition stands out as a sweeping portrait of a surveillance state and the paradoxically equivocal picture that arises when hundreds of millions of video cameras are monitoring everything that happens in public. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 Other experts, like Human Rights Watch founder Aryeh Neier are less equivocal, pointing to Israel’s blocking of humanitarian aid flows into and through Gaza as a clear marker of a genocide. William Hartung, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 Allison Gill, legal director at Global Labor Justice, a workers’ rights nonprofit, is less equivocal, however. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for equivocal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivocal
Adjective
  • The data shows high growth but questionable profitability: AI funding reached a record $100.4 billion in 2024, with mega-rounds accounting for 69% of funding.
    Sajal Singh, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Whether that trough also brings rain with it is far more questionable.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Storm clouds loomed over Europe, and Adolf Hitler's ambitions were not ambiguous for anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear—especially U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Timing for the start of production is likewise ambiguous.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Investing Too Much, Too Soon AI is evolving rapidly, leaving businesses unsure whether to be pioneers, early adopters or cautious followers.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • While this change could reduce tax burdens, the specifics remain murky, leaving businesses unsure of how to plan financially.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Given the volume of legally dubious activity, some of the administration’s unlawful actions will inevitably advance before litigation can stop them.
    Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In The Hulk, Ross uses dubious means to hunt down Bruce Banner.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to ‘find the accountant,’ Wolff is compelled to solve the case.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the cryptic message, many fans figured out where to find the singer and showed up in droves, forcing Lorde to initially cancel her appearance.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Steel’s children had been intrigued by the song’s name, but seemed ambivalent about its lyrics, which mostly concern partying.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • According to a 2022 Gallup Poll, 54% of Gen-Z employees, slightly higher than any other generation, are ambivalent or not engaged at work.
    Lynn Smith, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Fiennes has been nominated for an Emmy, seven Golden Globes, and three Academy Awards, including for his turn as a conflicted cardinal in the papal thriller Conclave (2024).
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Such conflicted feeling tend to lead to inaction and postponing decision making, rather than just making adjustments, like trading down.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And in his first year as coach, Glenn won’t have any uncertain media moments that Rodgers regularly instigated.
    Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
  • This news left fans uncertain of what was to come due to financial accessibility and FloTrack's niche nature.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equivocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equivocal. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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