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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

When could ambiguous be used to replace vague?

Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague?

While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague?

The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague?

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

enigmatic occult writings

When might equivocal be a better fit than vague?

While the synonyms equivocal and vague 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

When can obscure be used instead of vague?

The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

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 vague However, no amount of care or good intentions can prevent the sudden demolition of the brothers’ home, courtesy of a vague order from the IDF — for which the family is even forced to pay. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025 There were concerns from beach communities that language was too vague and could lead to an excessive alerts, causing panic and potentially hurting the tourism industry. CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025 Her second novel, 2012’s Gone to the Forest, is about a farm in an unidentified colonial territory, a purposely vague mash-up of African, Asian, and South American signifiers. Emma Alpern, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025 In any case, that vague sense of frustration doesn’t really set in until late. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vague
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vague
Adjective
  • How long those plates can keep spinning is unclear, especially as tariffs start nudging up costs for American consumers.
    Anne Marie Drummond Lee, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But the net effects remain unclear, and would depend on each particular player’s strength and swing.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Japanese photographer has produced a series of hazy images that play with perspective and reflections to showcase multiple angles of the women’s collection designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, which is set to be unveiled on April 15 in the garden of Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Even sketchier are characters like Isaac and Hanrahan, ruthless military types who never really transcend that hazy description despite being played by formidable actors Jeffrey Wright and Alanna Ubach, respectively.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Religion is the topic most likely to cause offense in India today, though the code is ambiguous on this point too.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
  • One thing that is not ambiguous is that the spirit is drawing Mia into its world a little at a time.
    Katie Rife, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Being generally smaller, colder and much darker than a star, exoplanets are also harder to detect, so specialized techniques are required for capturing their faint signals.
    Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
  • By subtracting these reference images from the target images, the team effectively removed the star's light, isolating the faint signals from the planets.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The bad news is that, for now, the details are a bit fuzzy.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Gomez opted for her signature almond shape to lean into the soft vibes, while her fuzzy teddy bear coat and shiny gold hoop earrings made everything feel very quiet luxury.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Gachot fills them with springtime blooms like garden tulips, cherry blossoms, poppies, daffodils, and pale pink ranunculus.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The moisturizer itself is a creamy, dreamy texture with a pale pink color and subtle rose scent.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Details are still murky with the plan yet to be formally presented to the all-powerful ICC board.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The process, however, has been murky based on which military branch people are looking to return to, with only the Navy offering a solid idea of the decision.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That included obscure cold opens and immersive world-building.
    Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • But his recitation of Black Americans’ names also revealed that they were heavily weighted toward athletes and performers like Jackie Robinson and Aretha Franklin (on a list that includes relatively obscure conservative white thinkers such as Whittaker Chambers and Clare Boothe Luce).
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vague.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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