Synonyms for

Ambiguous

Verb / æˈmbɪgju:ʌs / Another word for ambiguous — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not clear or decided; vague

Synonyms & similar words

unequivocal equivocal unambiguous unclear vague doubtful uncertain equivocal indistinct obscure hazy fuzzy confusing puzzling muddled cloudy nebulous indecisive indeterminate unspecific unresolved unsettled

Synonyms by register

Formal

equivocal nebulous vague unclear

Informal

fuzzy hazy wishy-washy on the fence

Literary

enigmatic cryptic arcane

Antonyms

clear definite explicit obvious plain unambiguous straightforward

Common collocations

  • ambiguous statement
  • ambiguous meaning
  • ambiguous situation
  • ambiguous answer
  • ambiguous wording
  • ambiguous circumstances
  • ambiguous intent

Word family

noun ambiguity
adverb ambiguously

Usage note

Ambiguous often implies that something could be interpreted in more than one way, leading to uncertainty. It is generally more formal than 'vague'.

Example sentences

  1. The map was ambiguous, so we got lost.
  2. Her answer to the question was ambiguous, so the teacher asked her to clarify.
  3. The tone of his email was ambiguous, so I wasn't sure if he was angry or not.
  4. The instructions for the game were ambiguous, so we had to ask for help.
  5. The results of the experiment were ambiguous, so we need to do more tests.

Quotes

  • The most ambiguous decision that exists in life is when it is time to act.
  • The universe is like a safe to which there is a combination - but the combination is locked up in the safe.
  • The human heart has hidden treasures, in secret kept, in silence sealed.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words