AMBIGUOUS Synonyms: 126 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ambiguous

adjective

am-ˈbi-gyə-wəs

Definition of ambiguous next

as in cryptic

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Try This Instead

For

Try This

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

Examples 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 Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the Chevron doctrine, which for 40 years had obligated courts to defer to agency interpretation when a statute was ambiguous and when the accompanying agency interpretation was reasonable or permissible. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Jan. 2025 But the rules governing the program are ambiguous, and Apexus offers broad interpretations, according to four current and former employees. —

Ellen Gabler, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 Like many of Tissot’s artworks, the scene is ambiguous but invites a winking interpretation. —

Brigit Katz, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Jan. 2025 The three-judge panel pointed to a Supreme Court decision last June that scaled back executive agencies’ power by overturning Chevron deference, the legal doctrine that previously instructed judges to defer to agencies in cases where the law is ambiguous. —

Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ambiguous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous

Adjective

Then, a hacker breaks in, posts a cryptic message, and triggers Wentworth's expanding investigation into a global struggle over truth and information.

— Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 16 Jan. 2025
Both Trista and Ryan were in the news over the summer after Ryan posted cryptic messages on his Instagram account.

— Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025