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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

When could ambiguous be used to replace vague?

Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague?

While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague?

The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague?

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

enigmatic occult writings

When might equivocal be a better fit than vague?

While the synonyms equivocal and vague are close in meaning, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When can obscure be used instead of vague?

The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

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 vague Even among those that did prompt outside help, a third of all the calls had vague or nonexistent descriptions, with details often withheld by authorities. Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 25 June 2025 Details remain vague on how bicyclist Sharon Kaye Nicholson, 67, died just before noon Saturday, June 21. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025 This vague messaging leaves employees confused about the actual purpose and benefits of AI, making adoption feel pointless or overwhelming. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Talk is cheap and timelines can be vague — but concerted action is what the U.S. and President Donald Trump, who's attending a NATO summit for the first time since 2019, will want to see. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vague
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vague
Adjective
  • What’s unclear is whether Staley even really wanted the Knicks job.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • And many of the particulars of the deal are still unclear, with the White House yet to release a term sheet or publish any proclamation codifying the agreement.
    Akayla Gardner, Fortune, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • How this all will ultimately lead to world-building applications is hazy—and that’s part of the point.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 3 July 2025
  • Crazy Norse is a 6.8% ABV hazy/New England IPA brewed in honor of Northern Kentucky University.
    Rasputin Todd, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • These beers had previously been included within larger, more ambiguous lager categories for the Great American Beer Festival competition, but the Brewers Association says the uniqueness and growing popularity of these styles warrants individual guideline recognition.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Tipping for other services may be more ambiguous and recommended as a dollar amount instead, like $10 per hour or $5 per bag carried or shuttle driven.
    Katie Kelton, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • If that happens, a person may become confused and dizzy, and feel faint.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
  • The headband usually has to be readjusted ahead of the next wear, as the sound can be faint if the headphones are not perfectly positioned over the ears.
    Rebecca Taylor, Outside Online, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sure, hygge has been overused a bit in the last few years (candles, fuzzy socks, etc.), but the real idea behind it is simple: comfort and connection.
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Advertisement The messages between their fuzzy bodies and their brains don’t go through any filtering system.
    Mari Andrew, Time, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating and fatigue, a weak pulse and skin that’s cool, pale or clammy, as well as headache, dizziness, nausea and fainting.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
  • The wine is a pale straw with greenish highlights, featuring aromas of green apple, lemon, and spring flowers.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Rules and regulations regarding international flight cancellations are a little murky.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
  • Her eyes were murky green and always cast upward and to the left.
    Ottessa Moshfegh, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Their final products include paintings, sketches, audio recordings, sculptures and videos of some of the Louvre’s most iconic artworks, as well as some of its more obscure.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
  • Answers vary from obvious to obscure, some citing culture or clutch performances, while others cling to cliches that this club is turning into truths.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vague.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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