ambiguous

adjective

am-ˈbi-gyə-wəs How to pronounce ambiguous (audio)
Definition of ambiguousnext
as in obscure
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 ambiguous You could be tempted to completely change your wardrobe, routines and future goals simply because something feels ambiguous or vaguely off. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Though her character’s fate was left ambiguous by the end of the film, it was ultimately revealed in 2023’s Scream VI that Kirby survived an intense stab wound and went on to become an FBI special agent. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 Prospective tenants are not allowed to tour the place before renting, and residents have long reported dicey roommate situations and ambiguous policies surrounding tenant rights and eviction. — Diamy Wang august 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2026 The fate of Duke, diagnosed with a life-threatening ascending aortic aneurysm, is ambiguous. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ambiguous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambiguous
  1. cryptic
  2. obscure
  3. enigmatic
  4. vague
  5. unclear
  6. mysterious
  7. murky
Adjective
  • McEwen offered a cryptic tease about what audiences can expect.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But the ambassador retorts with evasion, keeping the language cryptic.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • Given most late-summer midterm-election-year weakness has been more than recovered right afterward, the proper course of action now becomes even more obscure.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In many cases, the robot tail wags the living dog by tricking it—tricking us—into caring about obscure metrics, then gamifying the process of improving them.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • For the next 90 days, NASA teams will ready the Roman telescope for its five-year mission to study enigmatic phenomena like dark matter while hunting for habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Matt, whose perspective is largely withheld, remains the most enigmatic of the group, and the one most desperately sought after.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of enigmatic
Adjective
  • Maybe you’re tempted to overanalyze someone’s tone or a friend’s vague promise.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Aquarius January 20 – February 18 A vague request could create an impressive amount of unnecessary work today.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Whether Newsom will embrace the Legislature’s efforts to corral big Tech in California — in part or in whole — remains unclear.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But climate change's role in melting the glacier and causing the catastrophe is unclear.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of unclear
Adjective
  • But although the mysterious connections between siblings are an area ripe for exploration, Herzog doesn’t seem all that interested beyond the quirk factor, making the film seem precious rather than perceptive.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
  • There’s a mysterious liquid dripping from the ceiling next to the changing table.
    — Zachary Pincus-Roth, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of mysterious
Adjective
  • The presence of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, deep sleeper Kaytron Allen and White may make the Commanders backfield murkier than the Reflecting Pool, but their roles are clearer than most suspect.
    — Brad Evans, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The situation is also murky for those living outside their favorite team’s region.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of murky

Browse Nearby Words

ambiguity
ambiguous
ambiguously
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Cite this Entry

“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambiguous. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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