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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 Secondly, the economic model of the tokens issued by World Network remains somewhat ambiguous, with a sluggish adoption pace working against the idea of integration the token into a world driven increasingly by AI agents interacting and conducting business with minimal human oversight. Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 Comforting touch should be honest and clear – not ambiguous, not tentative and never assumed. Brian N. Chin, The Conversation, 16 May 2025 Whether Wyatt believed the failure of the journey stemmed from selling out, the meaninglessness of their actions or a larger commentary on the collapse of the counterculture movement is left somewhat ambiguous. Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025 But this is the constant problem of trying to make sense of the signs from people in Trump’s orbit—the recurrent use of white supremacists’ favorite sequence of numbers, ambiguous (and sometimes unambiguous) Nazi salutes, and other dog-whistling. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
Adjective
  • Neither Henry nor Devers have been willing to detail that conversation until now, as Devers finally broke his silence on the discussion with a cryptic four-word message.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
  • Still, his message ended on a cheerful note that showed the musician seems to be taking the cryptic dismissal in stride.
    Glenn Rowley, Billboard, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • There are some opaque methods for opening car tailgates, but Smart’s must be one of the most obscure.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • That brings us to Biden’s cancer, a diagnosis that surely cast a pall over the various book tours and panel discussions on what the Bidens and their handlers did or did not obscure.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • With their golden yellow rays surrounding a dark cone, Rudbeckias are quintessential summer blooms.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
  • Blast off at Baltimore's science fiction convention, see natural beauty envisioned by artists from around the world, take a stroll after dark at the zoo, celebrate Baltimore creatives or go to a legendary concert.
    John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The film features our beloved returning team members (Luther, Benji, and Ilsa) as well as new faces like the enigmatic thief Grace (Hayley Atwell); Gabriel (Esai Morales), an assassin who knew Ethan in his pre-IMF life; and Denlinger (Cary Elwes), the Director of National Intelligence.
    Will Harris, EW.com, 23 May 2025
  • The Chicago producer has frequently expressed his disdain for the enigmatic rapper ever since he was left off of the recent LP while Kendrick Lamar got three separate features.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • This granular visibility transforms sustainability from a vague corporate initiative into precise, actionable intelligence, enabling manufacturers to make targeted improvements that collectively drive significant environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency.
    David Ly, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Therapists should be trained to help patients build grit and achieve goals, not just listen passively, offer vague reassurances, or affirm every feeling.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Carlton Reid Based on 20 years of observations by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, new research sheds light on one of the solar system’s most mysterious planets.
    Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 27 May 2025
  • Denim shifts toward a mysterious direction in Blooming Darkness.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Her reasons for choosing Hagerty were unclear, although the firm had already signed a wildfire recovery contract with L.A. County’s emergency management office and had long worked with the state Office of Emergency Services.
    Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
  • Its purpose is no longer unclear or undefined; the industry recognizes it as a solid platform for experienced directors whose films do well in theaters.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is no evidence that Ms. Harris paid for the endorsements, although details on celebrity engagements can be somewhat murky.
    Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • Even as the temporary agreement between the U.S. and China has lifted sentiment this week, some major U.S. companies are issuing warnings about rising costs and a murky macroeconomic outlook.
    Pia Singh,Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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