Equivocal vs. Vague — What's the Difference?

Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous

Of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning

Open to two or more interpretations and often intended to conceal the truth.

Not clear in meaning or expression; inexplicit.

Characterized by a mixture of opposing elements and therefore questionable or uncertain

Not thinking or expressing oneself clearly

Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation.

Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct

Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.

Indistinctly felt, perceived, understood, or recalled; hazy

Uncertain, as an indication or sign.

Not clearly expressed; stated in indefinite terms.

(philosophy) A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term.

Not having a precise meaning.

Literally, called equally one thing or the other; hence:) Having two significations equally applicable; capable of double interpretation; of doubtful meaning; ambiguous; uncertain; as, equivocal words; an equivocal sentence.

Not clearly defined, grasped, or understood; indistinct; slight.

Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected; as, his actions are equivocal.

Not clearly felt or sensed; somewhat subconscious.

Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful.

Not thinking or expressing one’s thoughts clearly or precisely.

A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.

Lacking expression; vacant.

Open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead;

Not sharply outlined; hazy.

Open to question;

Wandering; vagrant; vagabond.

Uncertain as a sign or indication;

(obsolete) A wandering; a vagary.

An indefinite expanse.

(archaic) to wander; to roam; to stray.

To become vague or act in a vague manner.

To make vague negative comments publicly; to make highly veiled complaints or insults.

Wandering; vagrant; vagabond.

Unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition.

Proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report.

An indefinite expanse.

A wandering; a vagary.

To wander; to roam; to stray.

Not clearly understood or expressed;

Not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished;

Lacking clarity or distinctness;