equivocal
adjective
1. open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
- 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
Similar word(s): ambiguous, double, forked, evasive, indeterminate, ambiguous
2. open to question
- aliens of equivocal loyalty
- his conscience reproached him with the equivocal character of the union into which he had forced his son
Similar word(s): questionable
3. uncertain as a sign or indication
- the evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal
Similar word(s): inconclusive
Sentences with equivocal as an adjective:
- equivocal words; an equivocal sentence
- His actions are equivocal.
noun
1. A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.