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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 Rather than a group of murderous gays with a mysterious connection to Greg Hunt, the initiator of the debauchery this time is Chloe — a hot party girl with an ambiguous past and a slightly less mysterious connection to Greg Hunt (now going by Gary). Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2025 Team Harris’s strategy appeared to rely heavily on a short campaign window, with a sparse interview schedule, slow windup to unscripted events, and ambiguous policy positions. W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 Instead, security leaders typically present compliance checklists, regulatory obligations and ambiguous risk scores that executives then struggle to translate into financial and operational impact. Jerry Layden, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Last week, Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Committee on Natural Resources argued at an oversight meeting that the Endangered Species Act was an overreach of federal authority and an ambiguous statute, as part of a broader reexamination of conservation laws. Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
Adjective
  • The Bachelor alum took to social media on Wednesday, March 19, with a cryptic message seemingly responding to her ex-boyfriend Brendan Morais’ hard launch with his new girlfriend Serene Russell.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The episode ends with a cryptic phone call to Luca from a family member, hinting at their ties to the resort.
    Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Chicagoans may be following the back and forth between the City Council and Chicago Public Schools leadership over an obscure pension payment and wonder how does this affect me?
    Jason Ervin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Couple that with obscure sourcing practices, harmful environmental impacts, and questionable animal welfare practices, and the cost of it all starts to add up.
    Sam Delgado, Vox, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Its cap is a shriveled mass of brown folds, darker than the caramel hue of the true morel.
    Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Same goes for Lady Gaga and her fire-red McQueen gown, which hit all the right notes of dark romance.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Black holes are enigmatic yet simplistic astronomical forces at the center of science fiction and scientific discovery alike.
    Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
  • And navigating it all with an enigmatic effervescence was Paige Davis.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When breaches do occur, the notifications are often vague or slow to arrive, leaving users unaware of the risks they have been exposed to—and unsure of how to respond effectively.
    Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Cooking up breakfast, lunch and dinner miles from the vaguest evidence of human civilization becomes easier than ever before.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In the second episode, Arthur and his queen, Guinevere, are presiding over a feast when it is interrupted by a mysterious visitor, a blind harpist, guided into court by a white dog.
    Alan Yuhas, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Despite Shauna trying to blame her for all the mysterious things happening to her in season 3, Melissa says that Shauna is the problem, the real anti-hero, so to speak.
    Stacy Lambe, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For Tandy, portraying Fela meant stepping into the shoes of a woman whose true intentions remain unclear until the film’s final moments—adding layers of tension and intrigue to the story.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Hackman and Arakawa were mysteriously found dead in their Santa Fe home during a Feb. 26 welfare check with authorities unclear about their causes of death.
    Alex Stone, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From the murky swamp to the kingdom of Duloc, Shrek has captured hearts with its wit, adventures and hilarious dialogue.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The charm offensive contrasted with DOGE's murky blitz through the federal government in the last two months, which has resulted in mass layoffs and entire agencies being effectively shuttered.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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