EQUIVOCAL Synonyms: 186 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of equivocal are ambiguous , cryptic , dark , enigmatic , obscure , and vague . While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. // moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

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

While in some cases nearly identical to equivocal , ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. // an ambiguous directive

Q: When is it sensible to use 'cryptic' instead of 'equivocal'?

While the synonyms cryptic and equivocal are close in meaning, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. // cryptic hints of hidden treasure

Q: In what contexts can 'dark' take the place of 'equivocal'?

The meanings of dark and equivocal largely overlap; however, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. // muttered dark hints of revenge

Q: Where would 'enigmatic' be a reasonable alternative to 'equivocal'?

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

Q: When is 'obscure' a more appropriate choice than 'equivocal'?

Although the words obscure and equivocal have much in common, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. // obscure poems

Q: When can 'vague' be used instead of 'equivocal'?

The words vague and equivocal can be used in similar contexts, but vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. // a vague sense of obligation

equivocal

adjective

i-ˈkwi-və-kəl

Definition of equivocal next

as in questionable

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged the evidence that this latest diet really results in lasting weight loss is certainly equivocal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ambiguous

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning he responded to the reporter's questions with equivocal answers or refusals to comment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unsure

having a mixture of opposing feelings a number of people are clearly equivocal about allowing casino gambling in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of equivocal are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When could ambiguous be used to replace equivocal?

While in some cases nearly identical to equivocal, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When is it sensible to use cryptic instead of equivocal?

While the synonyms cryptic and equivocal are close in meaning, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

In what contexts can dark take the place of equivocal?

The meanings of dark and equivocal largely overlap; however, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

Where would enigmatic be a reasonable alternative to equivocal?

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

enigmatic occult writings

When is obscure a more appropriate choice than equivocal?

Although the words obscure and equivocal 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 can vague be used instead of equivocal?

The words vague and equivocal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 equivocal The evidence for the pill’s association with depression is somewhat more equivocal. —

Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2024 His contribution to the Wende exhibition stands out as a sweeping portrait of a surveillance state and the paradoxically equivocal picture that arises when hundreds of millions of video cameras are monitoring everything that happens in public. —

Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 While pulling Japanese companies more toward the West’s primacy on investor value, directionally right for building the resolute model, the performance consequences for investors have been more equivocal. —

Michael Useem, Fortune Asia, 24 Oct. 2024 Although multiple sources within the FDNY, City Hall and a former city official told the Daily News that Tucker was widely expected to be tapped as commissioner, the mayor’s office was equivocal when asked for comment Sunday night. —

Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for equivocal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for equivocal

Adjective

People are still perplexed and saddened by the questionable move on the Mavericks' side, especially their majority owner, Mark Cuban.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 9 Feb. 2025
Officiating has been a hot topic of late as questionable calls seemingly took over two of the Chiefs’ playoff wins — against the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills.

— Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025