Synonyms of ambiguous

ambiguous

adjective

am-ˈbi-gyə-wəs 

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

• cryptic
• obscure
• dark
• enigmatic
• enigmatical
• vague
• mysterious
• unclear
• murky
• mystic
• esoteric
• questionable
• nebulous
• equivocal
• opaque
• inscrutable
• uncertain
• confusing
• elliptic
• occult
• Delphic
• arcane
• deep
• elliptical
• complicated
• obscurant
• fuliginous
• weird
• double-edged
• indistinct
• fuzzy
• undefined
• uncanny
• difficult
• eerie
• abstruse
• indirect
• hazy
• undetermined
• recondite
• incomprehensible
• shadowy
• indefinite
• disguised
• inexact
• inexplicable
• puzzling
• complex
• noncommittal
• faint
• foggy
• muddy
• indecipherable
• shrouded
• perplexing
• indistinguishable
• clouded
• shaded
• misty
• concealed
• masked
• cloaked
• inexplicit
• baffling
• eery
• unknowable
• invisible
• intangible
• obfuscatory
• dim
• unanswerable
• cloudy
• confounding
• bewildering
• impenetrable
• mystifying
• sphinxlike
• obtuse
• obscurantic
• impalpable
• inappreciable
• shadowlike
• unfathomable
• circuitous
• beclouded
• befogged
• roundabout
• bedimmed
• obnubilated

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obvious
• clear
• unambiguous
• unequivocal
• plain
• understandable
• accessible
• distinct
• certain
• intelligible
• evident
• comprehensible
• legible
• sure
• strong
• bright
• defined
• direct
• explicit
• knowable
• nonambiguous
• firm
• definite
• determined
• straightforward
• exact
• pellucid
• fathomable
• self-explanatory
• self-evident
• visible
• tangible
• appreciable
• unmistakable
• palpable
• blatant
• patent

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ambiguous

China, always an ambiguous member of this group, has staked its claim by hosting numerous summits for its global South counterparts. —Zachariah Mampilly, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025

Here's where things get hazy in the timeline as Doom's (2016) lore was loose and its connections to the previous games ambiguous. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025

For generations, Congress has written vague regulations and ambiguous appropriations, which have channeled de facto legislative power to the president. —Jay Cost, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025

Religion is the topic most likely to cause offense in India today, though the code is ambiguous on this point too. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025

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