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ambiguous information
ambivalent information
uncertain information
vague information
unclear information
inconclusive information
an ambiguous attitude
an ambivalent attitude
an enigmatic attitude
an ambient attitude
an elusive attitude
an indecisive attitude
an ambiguous legacy
a mixed legacy
a controversial legacy
a questionable legacy
a contradictory legacy
an uncertain legacy
an ambiguous statement
a vague statement
a nebulous statement
a mysterious statement
a cryptic statement
an imprecise statement
an ambiguous position
an indeterminable position
an unspecified position
an indecisive position
an undefined position
an uncertain position

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of ambiguous are cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When can cryptic be used instead of ambiguous?

The words cryptic and ambiguous can be used in similar contexts, but cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When would dark be a good substitute for ambiguous?

The words dark and ambiguous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

When is it sensible to use enigmatic instead of ambiguous?

The synonyms enigmatic and ambiguous are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When could equivocal be used to replace ambiguous?

While the synonyms equivocal and ambiguous 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

In what contexts can obscure take the place of ambiguous?

Although the words obscure and ambiguous 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 is vague a more appropriate choice than ambiguous?

While in some cases nearly identical to ambiguous, 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 ambiguous That would be Mark Rylance as Henry’s lord privy seal, Thomas Cromwell, an endlessly fascinating and ambiguous figure—brilliant, scheming, moral—whom Rylance animates with gravity and kaleidoscopic skill. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025 An unlikely ally to Tanner and Luca as tensions rise, but loyalties remain ambiguous. Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 In 2024, the court overturned the Chevron doctrine, which required courts to defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations when laws were ambiguous. Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025 Okay, there is nothing ambiguous about this Taylor Swift Reputation Easter egg. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
Adjective
  • Generally, when a player makes a cryptic social media post ...
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Pittsburgh Steelers four-time All-pro defensive end T.J. Watt had a cryptic post on his Instagram account that had the NFL world in a social media frenzy.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That included obscure cold opens and immersive world-building.
    Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • But his recitation of Black Americans’ names also revealed that they were heavily weighted toward athletes and performers like Jackie Robinson and Aretha Franklin (on a list that includes relatively obscure conservative white thinkers such as Whittaker Chambers and Clare Boothe Luce).
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Editor’s tip: Niacinamide is a multitasker that blurs the look of dark spots, evens your skin tone, and balances your complexion.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And so by some sociologists, camp is thought to be this form of dark humor serving as a coping mechanism to historical marginalization.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Other notable roles for Chastain include playing astronaut Melissa Lewis in The Martian, the enigmatic Murph in Interstellar and real-life figure Molly Bloom in Molly’s Game.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
  • These enigmatic paintings are inspired by Edvard Munch and William Blake: After Munch: Less is Known than People Think, 2023, and After Blake: Less is Known than People Think, 2024, in which astronomy, history and geography cross paths with spirituality, according to the artist.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, those professions grew because the accountant must also talk to clients, ask them questions, make judgement calls about sometimes vague tax code interpretations and execute numerous other judgements on a daily basis.
    Ismail Amla, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Instead of vague goals, such as align with human values, researchers and developers can talk about specific contexts and roles for AI more clearly.
    Aidan Kierans, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Apart is on its way — and has quite the mysterious cover to match.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Their work is a search for meaning—an attempt to make sense of mysterious signs.
    Nicolás Medina Mora, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • How long those plates can keep spinning is unclear, especially as tariffs start nudging up costs for American consumers.
    Anne Marie Drummond Lee, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The impact of this shift on the pending criminal case against Tornado Cash developers Roman Storm and Roman Semenov remains unclear.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Details are still murky with the plan yet to be formally presented to the all-powerful ICC board.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The process, however, has been murky based on which military branch people are looking to return to, with only the Navy offering a solid idea of the decision.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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