equivocal meaning

UK US /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/ 4 syllables

equivocal (adjective): open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead.

equivocal has 3 meanings in this dictionary.

equivocal as an 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
    • popularity is an equivocal crown
    • an equivocal response to an embarrassing question

    Synonyms: ambiguous

    Opposite: unequivocal

    Similar: double, evasive, indeterminate

    Related forms: equivocalness

  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: questionable

  3. uncertain as a sign or indication
    • the evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal

    Similar: inconclusive

How to pronounce equivocal

equivocal is pronounced /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/ in American English. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Scrabble score: 23 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with EQ · words ending in AL · 9-letter words

More about equivocal on Wikipedia.