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

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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

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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 of vague in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To a skeptic nation, over the course of the past few weeks, the brand promoted its grand comeback with a vague promise of inclusivity, teasing the presence of curve models like Graham and Paloma Elsesser in advance. —

Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 16 Oct. 2024 Her opponent is Derek Tran, an attorney and Army veteran who is in favor of supporting blockchain but is vague on his policy stance on cryptocurrency. —

Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Oct. 2024 Remember that specific feedback is more credible and meaningful than vague cheerleading. —

Scott Mautz, Contributor, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2024 Prosecutors were notably vague in the indictment as to the dates and details regarding individuals other than Ventura, who wasn’t specifically named. —

Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vague

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vague.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Vague.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

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Last Updated: 27 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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