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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 Guth landed on a more haunting and ambiguous image: Salome walking into a luminous mist, leaving mad reality behind. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 At first unsure, Ester allows the guy to touch her, and as a viewer the scene is ambiguous. Catherine Bray, Variety, 24 May 2025 The camera flies out over the water, and neither Cecilie nor the audience gets a definitive answer, with the series coming to an ambiguous and unsettling end. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 22 May 2025 Russell instead contacted the Fire Department to activate the sirens, but the directive was ambiguous, the mayor said. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
Adjective
  • This Instagram comment comes amid a series of cryptic social media posts shared by Bieber and growing concerns for him.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 12 June 2025
  • Gad teased work on the project in 2024 with a cryptic Instagram post that blocked out certain sections on the script’s cover page.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The banner offers a peek into a relatively obscure group during a critical moment in American history.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
  • The other is a bit more obscure: Juan Samuel, with 70 extra-base hits and 72 steals as a Phillies rookie in 1984.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Dark Universe is home to one of the greatest dark rides of all time.
    Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 3 June 2025
  • Both were crucial mental health resources during that dark time, and both found a wider embrace online for their niche comic sensibilities.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a quaint village nestled high in the Swiss alps, an enigmatic domed building towers above the sloped rooftops.
    Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The invisible legacy In the end, Sara is left with one last crucial gift from her mentor, Massimiliano—a CD with an enigmatic message.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, however, the label lost credibility—undermined by vague accounting, low-quality offsets, and limited transparency.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • As a result, the surface of the land and sea is an open book that anyone with an internet connection can read to the point where the embarrassing launch failure of a North Korean frigate is instantly world news instead of a vague rumor.
    David Szondy May 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Four thousand years ago, however, Crete was also a crossroads dominated by a mysterious and largely still poorly understood Bronze Age culture that predated classical Greece.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The movie is led by Tom Hiddleston as the titular, mysterious Chuck Krantz, with a supporting cast that includes Mark Hamill, Mia Sara, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Matthew Lillard, Annalise Basso and Kate Siegel.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Your team will look to you for a sense of stability and purpose when things are unclear.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • The extent of the advance is unclear, as are Moscow’s ambitions for the assault.
    Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Since President Donald Trump took office, at least half of the security council's staff have been laid off or left, and the future of BARDA is murky.
    Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 6 June 2025
  • But whether federal or state politicians could foil a Trump settlement is murky.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ambiguous

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