Sample sentences for EQUIVOCAL

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Definition

unclear in meaning — especially where opposing interpretations are reasonable (sometimes intentionally)

The form unequivocal (not equivocal; or clean in meaning) is encountered much more frequently, but equivocal is seen on many more SAT review lists.

Her statement was equivocal.

equivocal = unclear in meaning — especially where opposing interpretations are reasonable (sometimes intentionally)

an unequivocal statement

(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unequivocal means not and reverses the meaning of equivocal. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)

His statement of support was painfully equivocal.
I appreciated his unequivocal support.

(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unequivocal means not and reverses the meaning of equivocal. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)

an unequivocal success

(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unequivocal means not and reverses the meaning of equivocal. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)

I am concerned about his equivocal reputation.
I am comforted by his unequivocal reputation.

(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unequivocal means not and reverses the meaning of equivocal. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)

What an equivocal companion is this!
William Shakespeare -- All's Well That Ends Well

equivocal = ambiguous or doubtful

He was the one person I could count on, unequivocally, to say exactly what he meant, no hedging around.
Sarah Dessen -- The Truth About Forever

unequivocally = without ambiguity (in a completely clear manner)

(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unequivocally means not and reverses the meaning of equivocally. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)

...leaving me with no unequivocal answers about cheerleaders and their diet aids or...
Ellen Hopkins -- Glass

unequivocal = unmistakably clear

(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unequivocal means not and reverses the meaning of equivocal. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)

I learned, moreover, at intervals, and through broken and equivocal hints, another singular feature of his mental condition.
Edgar Allan Poe -- The Fall of the House of Usher

equivocal = unclear in meaning

[Laughing equivocally.]
Henrik Ibsen -- Hedda Gabler

equivocally = with meaning that is not clear

These sentences, to sugar or to gall,
Being strong on both sides, are equivocal:
William Shakespeare -- Othello, the Moor of Venice

equivocal = unclear in meaning — especially where opposing interpretations are reasonable

But the cause of death—unequivocally—was drowning.
David Guterson -- Snow Falling on Cedars

unequivocally = clearly and unmistakably

(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unequivocally means not and reverses the meaning of equivocally. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)

I experienced a sentiment half of horror, half of remorse, for the crime of which I had been guilty; but it was, at best, a feeble and equivocal feeling, and the soul remained untouched.
Edgar Allan Poe -- The Black Cat

equivocal = of doubtful significance (not clearly and strongly felt in the normal sense)

...the day would have been an unequivocal success had nothing else happened; but something else did.
Kate Douglas Wiggin -- Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm

(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unequivocal means not and reverses the meaning of equivocal. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)

the evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal
Jos had always had rather a mean opinion of the Captain, and now began to think his courage was somewhat equivocal.
Thackeray, William Makepeace -- Vanity Fair
This unspoken converging of minds, equivocal though it was on Martin's part, resulted gradually in a more friendly period.
Haldeman, Julius Mr. and Mrs. -- Dust
What an equivocal companion is this!
Shakespeare, William -- All's Well that End's Well

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