equivocal

[ih-kwiv-uh-kuhl] / ɪˈkwɪv ə kəl /

ADJECTIVE

doubtful, uncertain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambiguous ambivalent dubious evasive muddled puzzling unclear vague

WEAK

amphibological borderline clear as mud clouded disreputable fishy fuzzy hazy indefinite indeterminate indistinct misleading muzzy oblique obscure open problematic questionable suspect suspicious tenebrous undecided unexplicit unintelligible with mixed feelings

Antonyms

STRONGEST

certain clear definite sure

WEAK

determined obvious plain unequivocal unquestionable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Robert Kennedy was equivocal on the phone about intervening.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

The court also dropped an equivocal hint about how Smith might overcome the presumption of immunity.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2024

And while he has issued public apologies, Goecke has remained more defiant than contrite, and disturbingly equivocal: He has both admitted to overreacting and also tried to justify his behavior.

From New York Times • May 20, 2024

Verstappen has repeatedly given equivocal answers when asked whether Horner had his full support and faith as team principal.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2024

With a second equivocal report in hand, Bush was on the verge of terminating fission research altogether as a war program.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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