VAGUE Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'vague' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous , cryptic , dark , enigmatic , equivocal , and obscure . While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. // a vague sense of obligation

Q: When could 'ambiguous' be used to replace 'vague'?

Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. // an ambiguous directive

Q: When would 'cryptic' be a good substitute for 'vague'?

While in some cases nearly identical to vague , cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. // cryptic hints of hidden treasure

Q: Where would 'dark' be a reasonable alternative to 'vague'?

The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. // muttered dark hints of revenge

Q: In what contexts can 'enigmatic' take the place of 'vague'?

The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. // enigmatic occult writings

Q: When might 'equivocal' be a better fit than 'vague'?

While the synonyms equivocal and vague 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: When can 'obscure' be used instead of 'vague'?

The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. // obscure poems

vague

adjective

ˈvāg

Definition of vague next

as in unclear

not expressed in precise terms gave as vague a reply as he could, hoping not to give away the surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hazy

not seen or understood clearly I have only a vague idea of what you're talking about

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

When could ambiguous be used to replace vague?

Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague?

While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague?

The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague?

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

enigmatic occult writings

When might equivocal be a better fit than vague?

While the synonyms equivocal and vague 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

When can obscure be used instead of vague?

The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

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 vague His tease was vague, but just tasty enough to get Pizza the Hutt watering at the mouth. —

Josh Weiss, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Although details are vague, rumors have been growing for several months about what Fincher could be up to next. —

Lynette Rice, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024 But outside of a mention at the start of the debate that Banks declined to participate, the first vague reference to the Republican was 30 minutes in on a question about the CHIPS and Sciences Act when McCray mentioned that Banks voted against the bill championed by U.S. Sen. Todd Young. —

Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Oct. 2024 In the weeks before the 2020 vote, Trump and his allies had already begun to spread claims that the election would be stolen, but those allegations were vague and unorganized. —

David Gilbert, WIRED, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vague

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vague

Adjective

But the extent to which that national trend was a factor in the 8th District was unclear.

John Aguilar, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024
The factors that influence the number of coyotes across suburban, rural, and wild landscapes have been unclear until now.

Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024