ambiguous

adjective

am-ˈbi-gyə-wəs How to pronounce ambiguous (audio)
Definition of ambiguousnext
as in obscure
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning the exact reason for the change in plans is ambiguous, but I suspect it has something to do with money

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The finale is an ambiguous mix of jollity and agitation, with a piccolo shrieking above a militant march. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026 Over email, Nicholson shared her thoughts on the morally ambiguous character and the Dustin Hoffman film that brings her comfort. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The Rachel Weisz series omits a portion of the novel's ending, leaving the characters' fates more ambiguous. —Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026 Among the Big Ten’s old guard, the definition of what does — and doesn’t — count as a men’s basketball rivalry is ambiguous. —Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
  1. obscure
  2. enigmatic
  3. vague
  4. mysterious
  5. unclear
  6. murky
  7. cryptic
  8. mystic
Adjective
  • The office also, in one of its more obscure functions, licenses certain private cemeteries.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Assembled by Feltenstein and fellow animation expert Jerry Beck, the collection showcases classic appearances by Looney Tunes royalty (Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig), but also digs deeper to celebrate more obscure characters like Conrad Cat and Angelo the Mighty Flea.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • Much like the movie itself, the images captured by Jima on set are spare and enigmatic.
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Spiritual Festivals in Ethiopia As one of the world’s earliest Christian nations, Ethiopia makes for quite the enigmatic travel destination.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
Definition of enigmatic
Adjective
  • The title Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is pretty vague, and the new trailer doesn’t clear much up.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
  • This implies regime change, yet the administration’s ambitions have in fact been vague and inconsistent.
    — Dennis Ross, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Archaeologists have uncovered a 2,000-year-old temple in Denmark — offering a glimpse into the mysterious, once-powerful society that built it.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The project imagines a Joseon princess whose songs conjure spontaneous wonderlands, before a moonlit portal transports her to a mysterious palace of history’s greatest artists.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • The circumstances of the attack on Sunday were unclear and Houthi officials declined to comment.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The potential consequences on Davis’ finances is unclear, according to the staff report, though officials said it was expected to have limited impact on city governance.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Definition of unclear
Adjective
  • What that résumé doesn’t show, however, is Sinofsky’s entanglement in the murkier corners of the business world.
    — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The power of the rap lies in the murky mystery behind it.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of murky
Adjective
  • The composer behind Euphoria‘s memorable soundtrack called out the HBO show in a scathing and cryptic social media post.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2026
  • With Liu's rise, her father's story bubbled up in China's social media, though any mention was usually brief and cryptic because the 1989 Tiananmen Movement — generally known as 6-4 for the date of the military crackdown, remains a deeply sensitive political taboo in China 37 years later.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • Operating within those parameters, the mystic outlands trend extends to some of the world’s most mesmerizing corners.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
  • At Barclays Center, Florence + the Machine gather participants to complete the spell-casting circle of their mystic and witchy art-pop (April 21-22, 24).
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of mystic

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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of ambiguous for Spanish Speakers

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