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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 While the Pulwama attack was claimed by the militant Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed and targeted security personnel, the one on Tuesday involved unarmed civilians, and any claims of responsibility have been vague and unverified. Salman Masood, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 That's pretty vague, but the season 2 teaser trailer highlights several of the aforementioned foes and woes, from a host of haunted dolls and a swarm of bees to a flaming, winged creature and the gnarly sight of Tyler (Hunter Doohan) in his Hyde form. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The vague reply was that the funding is yet to be allocated. Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Apr. 2025 Sheinbaum remained vague on details, but insisted that her administration would seek to work with Trump. Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vague
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vague
Adjective
  • Why the contract was posted and then canceled is unclear.
    Jeff Ernsthausen, ProPublica, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The magnitude of the pause was unclear, the analysts said, but the comments raised fears that Amazon was doing something similar to Microsoft’s recent move to pull back on some early stage projects.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The reasons for her travels—whether to marry a man at her father’s behest or to undertake a pilgrimage to Rome—are hazy.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The details of the bet have become hazy in the intervening 35 years.
    Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 18 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
  • Subtle minerality and a light floral touch on the nose give way to a peppery palate, finishing short but clean with faint cereal warmth and crisp simplicity.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Accountant 2, arriving this week some eight long years after the original, does not earn even that faintest of praise.
    A.A. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Seen in New York City on April 21, Cyrus showed off her long, wavy shag with baby bangs and completed the retro-inspired look with a black fuzzy 2000s tank and oversized aviator sunglasses.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025
  • And Gachot’s apartment only adds to the lore: decorated in her firm’s warm minimalist style, Robert Rauschenberg lithographs hang alongside Noguchi lamps, Eames swivel chairs, and fuzzy sheepskin throws.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For her ceremony in N.Y.C., the actress opted for pale green in the form of a flowing Carolina Herrera gown (which coordinated with wife Christine Marinoni's tie) and got her fix of bridal white with a bouquet of peonies.
    Alex Apatoff, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • All four universal shades—Life of the Party, a pale peach; Class Act, a warm berry; Fashionably Late, a rosy taupe; and Chief of Everything, a poppy red—have a gentle white tea scent.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the picture of the future is still murky amid economic uncertainty.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The two friends straight-lined it down the hill, crossing the freezing murky puddle.
    Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These renderings obscure just how much conventional warfare took place in Vietnam.
    Made by History, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Parsing a FromSoftware game's obscure plot is as tricky as taking down its brutal enemies.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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