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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 But there is more than a vague element of misfortune in Cassidy’s story. Phil Hay, New York Times, 11 July 2025 Drop the minimizing words and swap vague follow-ups for clear, specific messages. Lorraine K. Lee, CNBC, 10 July 2025 Stories come to life only through concrete, sensory details, but my father only spoke in vague and abstract terms. Margot Singer july 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025 Though vague, Galvin said case law suggests reasonable means that the rules are consistent with the culture and character of the type of community. Nora O’Neill 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vague
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vague
Adjective
  • The lawyer said that Jackson was not involved in a fight and the cause of his death is unclear.
    Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 15 July 2025
  • However, details of the training—including its content and duration—remain unclear.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Exercisers and health experts are asking whether the benefits of outdoor exercise are negated when the skies are hazy with wildfire smoke.
    John C. Quindry, The Conversation, 10 July 2025
  • The Milky Way is our home galaxy, a vast spiral of stars, dust and cosmic wonder stretching across the sky like a hazy, glowing river.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Automate routine monitoring, but require cross-functional review for ambiguous or high-impact alerts, providing clear explanations.
    Dr. Chiranjiv Roy, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • At times, though, there’s nothing ambiguous or veiled in his work.
    Anastasia Tsioulcas, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • These pictures reveal faint details that were previously invisible.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • Bell Labs gave me free rein to engineer new systems that would detect those extremely faint signals.
    Jenna Ahart, Quanta Magazine, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of Yakovenko’s managers showed me a fuzzy black-and-white video, taken in April, of a night operation behind enemy lines.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • But Lavigne recalled that this grandmother wasn’t exactly warm and fuzzy.
    Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The creature had pale orange stripes along its body, eyes on the side of its head and other physical characteristics of a Barbados threadsnake.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
  • Hendrix, 54, wore a pale pink gown with silver floral beading details, paired with old-Hollywood style pin curls and a bold lip.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Anton and his second wife adopted Jean sometime during the Depression, but the details are murky.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • While the Celtics have made a couple of small additions, the future is still a bit murky.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Provider tax The bill includes a rather obscure change that could cost the state millions of dollars and, in turn, a reduction in services.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2025
  • In order to produce so many shows, Marvel had to mine the depths of its archives which led to productions based on obscure characters that many fans didn't care about.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vague.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

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