ambiguous

[æmˈbɪɡjuəs]

ambiguous Definition

• 1. open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning
• 2. unclear or inexact because a choice between alternatives has not been made

Using ambiguous: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ambiguous" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The wording of the contract is ambiguous and could be interpreted in different ways.

• Example

  Her response to my question was ambiguous, so I wasn't sure what she meant.

• Example

  The painting's meaning is intentionally ambiguous, allowing the viewer to draw their own conclusions.

ambiguous Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ambiguous

• vague
• equivocal
• indistinct
• doubtful
• unclear

Antonyms for ambiguous

• clear
• definite
• unequivocal

Phrases with ambiguous

• ambiguous statement

  a statement that can be interpreted in more than one way

  Example

  His ambiguous statement left us unsure of his intentions.

• ambiguous figure

  a visual image that can be interpreted in more than one way

  Example

  The ambiguous figure could be seen as either a vase or two faces.

• ambiguous genitalia

  a condition in which the external genitalia are not clearly male or female

  Example

  The baby was born with ambiguous genitalia, and the parents had to make a difficult decision about surgery.

Origins of ambiguous

from Latin 'ambiguus', meaning 'doubtful'

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Summary: ambiguous in Brief

The term 'ambiguous' [æmˈbɪɡjuəs] refers to something that is open to more than one interpretation or unclear because a choice between alternatives has not been made. It is often used to describe statements, figures, or situations that can be interpreted in different ways. 'Ambiguous' is an adjective with synonyms like 'vague,' 'unclear,' and 'equivocal.' Its antonyms include 'clear,' 'definite,' and 'unequivocal.'