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

Relevance

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 And when everything else fails, just keep it vague. —

Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2024 But inconsistencies and vague language in media interviews that contrasted with IRS reporting raised eyebrows about the work his charity was doing. —

Avery Lotz, Axios, 1 Dec. 2024 Early symptoms, such as fatigue and nausea, can be subtle and vague. —

Lindsay Curtis, Health, 30 Nov. 2024 Keep posts about career achievements vague or share only with friends and family. —

Kim Komando, Fox News, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vague

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vague

Adjective

It’s been unclear whether Season 1 stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine would return for the second season, and the first season ends on an ambiguous cliffhanger regarding their fate.

Brian Welk, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024
The total number of states impacted remains unclear, although similar notices appeared in Virginia and Colorado.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024