Synonyms of equivocal

equivocal

adjective

i-ˈkwi-və-kəl 

1

as in questionable

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged

the evidence that this latest diet really results in lasting weight loss is certainly equivocal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• questionable
• dubious
• disputable
• problematical
• doubtful
• suspicious
• debatable
• problematic
• suspect
• ambiguous
• shaky
• fishy
• unclear
• dubitable
• alleged
• queer
• shady
• dodgy
• doubtable
• uncertain
• unlikely
• weak
• moot
• undetermined
• supposed
• undecided
• improbable
• flimsy
• so-called
• open
• far-fetched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• certain
• unquestionable
• undoubted
• undeniable
• indisputable
• indubitable
• sure
• incontestable
• unproblematic
• decisive
• definitive
• positive
• obvious
• clear
• questionless
• hands-down
• open-and-shut

2

as in ambiguous

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning

he responded to the reporter's questions with equivocal answers or refusals to comment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

3

as in unsure

having a mixture of opposing feelings

a number of people are clearly equivocal about allowing casino gambling in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unsure
• ambivalent
• conflicted
• uncertain
• afraid
• hesitant
• questioning
• reluctant
• doubtful
• irresolute
• dubious
• wobbly
• undecided
• faltering
• vacillating
• loth
• wabbly
• loath
• indisposed
• disinclined
• loathe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unambivalent
• certain
• resolute
• decided
• sure
• unquestioning

Synonym Chooser

How is the word equivocal different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of equivocal are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When could ambiguous be used to replace equivocal?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivocal, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When is it sensible to use cryptic instead of equivocal?

While the synonyms cryptic and equivocal are close in meaning, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

In what contexts can dark take the place of equivocal?

The meanings of dark and equivocal largely overlap; however, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

Where would enigmatic be a reasonable alternative to equivocal?

The words enigmatic and equivocal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When is obscure a more appropriate choice than equivocal?

Although the words obscure and equivocal 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 can vague be used instead of equivocal?

The words vague and equivocal can be used in similar contexts, but vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of equivocal

Allison Gill, legal director at Global Labor Justice, a workers’ rights nonprofit, is less equivocal, however. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

The message is in contrast to the equivocal and worrisome responses from the new US health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is a long-time anti-vaccine advocate. —Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025

Whereas his prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, appeared to offer concrete details at an earlier news conference of how the agreement would be signed and implemented, Zelenskyy was far less equivocal in his account of events. —Daryna Mayer, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that his country could send troops, but French President Emmanuel Macron—the only European leader to previously pledge such deployments—has become equivocal on this question, backing off his original commitment. —Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2025

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