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

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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 Biggs, who is running for governor of Arizona, struck an ambiguous tone in a video posted online after the vote. —Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025 In a follow-up review of studies published from 1992 to 2013, eight studies showed a decline in semen quality, 21 showed no change or an increase, and six showed ambiguous or conflicting results. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 3 July 2025 Emojis in texts: More than just fun, a tool for connection While emojis can sometimes be ambiguous or misunderstood, especially in sarcastic or complex conversations, their overall impact is positive. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025 In fact, she was designed to be ethnically ambiguous for that reason, suggested Carlos Cortés, professor emeritus in history at UC Riverside, who consulted the creative team. —Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 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
  • 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
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • This enigmatic character used his power to control the time-stream in a post-Crisis on Infinite Earths scenario to create a smaller universe with only two populated planets: our Earth and Krypton.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 17 July 2025
  • Other notable cast members include John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore; Paapa Essiedu as enigmatic potions professor Severus Snape; and Lox Pratt as Hogwarts bully Draco Malfoy.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of enigmatic
Adjective
  • Diners and customers still face overwhelming menus, vague promotions, delayed support and unclear pricing.
    — Maulikkumar Pandya, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • In an era where social media dictates public perception, silence or vague messaging can speak volumes.
    — Essence, Essence, 18 July 2025
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Years after gaining superpowers from being bombarded by cosmic rays in space, the astronauts-turned-superheroes face a new threat when the mysterious Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal (Julia Garner), heralds the coming of the world-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson).
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • More Miguel Rodriguez/Getty Images What's so mysterious about a team playing well?
    — Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • The Austin City Council on Thursday unanimously approved a five-year strategic plan aimed at bolstering the department that oversees the city-run animal shelter — but who will lead the department through the undertaking is unclear.
    — Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The future is unclear for broadcast late night programming, and late night more generally, but a decision on Kimmel will mean a lot for the industry in the upcoming year.
    — Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of unclear
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
Definition of murky
Adjective
  • Whether the pair will do more to promote the album than share cryptic corresponding Instagram posts remains to be seen.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
  • The news comes days after posters appeared around New York City featuring Roan’s face and a cryptic reference to Aug. 1.
    — Stephen Daw, Billboard, 24 July 2025
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • The man from Osaka’s right arm is almost mystic, like one of California’s solemn redwoods.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • Further projects include psychological thriller The Olive Press, set in the mystic world of the Druze community in Mount Lebanon, from writer and director Samah El Kadi, and co-written by Nadim Chammas.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 May 2025
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 4 Aug. 2025.

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