Definitions

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.

The Japanese prime minister's recent comments mark a departure from the equivocal position that the country has traditionally adopted on the status of Taiwan.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

Mr. Skarsgård’s equivocal and unshowy performance—he’s a master of acting without seeming to be acting—creates an ambiguity around Gustav, craftily rendered by the two screenwriters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

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

It’s difficult for me to believe I have power over him, of any sort, but I do; although it’s of an equivocal kind.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Vocabulary lists containing equivocal

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