Synonyms: ambiguous
Definition: having more than one possible meaning
Usage: ambiguous words; frustrated by ambiguous instructions, the parents were unable to assemble the toy
Similar words: double-barreled, double-barrelled
Definition: having two purposes; twofold
Usage: our double-barreled desire to make things profitable as well as attractive- Louis Kronenbergers
Similar words: double-edged
Definition: capable of being interpreted in two usually contradictory ways
Usage: double-edged praise
Similar words: oracular, enigmatic
Definition: resembling an oracle in obscurity of thought
Usage: the oracular sayings of Victorian poets; so enigmatic that priests might have to clarify it; an enigmatic smile
Similar words: left-handed
Definition: ironically ambiguous
Usage: a left-handed compliment
Similar words: multi-valued, multivalent
Definition: having many values, meanings, or appeals
Usage: subtle, multivalent allegory
Similar words: polysemantic, polysemous
Definition: of words; having many meanings
Similar words: uncertain
Definition: ambiguous (especially in the negative)
Usage: she spoke in no uncertain terms
Synonyms: equivocal, ambiguous
Definition: open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
Usage: an equivocal statement; the polling had a complex and equivocal (or ambiguous) message for potential female candidates; the officer's equivocal behavior increased the victim's uneasiness; popularity is an equivocal crown; an equivocal response to an embarrassing question
Definition: having two meanings with intent to deceive
Usage: a sly double meaning; spoke with forked tongue
Similar words: evasive
Definition: deliberately vague or ambiguous
Usage: his answers were brief, constrained and evasive; an evasive statement
Similar words: indeterminate
Definition: of uncertain or ambiguous nature
Usage: the equivocal (or indeterminate) objects painted by surrealists
Synonyms: ambiguous
Definition: having no intrinsic or objective meaning; not organized in conventional patterns
Usage: an ambiguous situation with no frame of reference; ambiguous inkblots
Similar words: unstructured
Definition: lacking definite structure or organization
Usage: an unstructured situation with no one in authority; a neighborhood gang with a relatively unstructured system; children in an unstructured environment often feel insecure; unstructured inkblots