unequivocal
Americanadjective
-
not equivocal; unambiguous; clear; having only one possible meaning or interpretation.
an unequivocal indication of assent; unequivocal proof.
- Synonyms:
- unmistakable, obvious, direct, certain
-
absolute; unqualified; not subject to conditions or exceptions.
The cosigner of a note gives unequivocal assurance that it will be paid when due.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- unequivocally adverb
- unequivocalness noun
Etymology
Origin of unequivocal
Explanation
If there is no doubt about it, it's unequivocal. An unequivocal response to a marriage proposal? "Yes. Yes! A thousand times yes!" Equivocal is from a Latin word meaning of equal voice, so unequivocal means of unequal voice — unmistakable, unambiguous, without question. There might be unequivocal evidence tying a suspect to a crime, or unequivocal support for a popular leader. If you explain something in unequivocal terms, then your words should be clear to everyone.
Vocabulary lists containing unequivocal
Latin Love, Vol I: vocare
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This Week in Words: January 12 - 18, 2019
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The Federalist Papers, No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While his backing was hardly unequivocal, this week Hopkinson stressed Newcastle were currently "not having those conversations" about a change of manager.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
"In addition to the effectiveness of the Jerk alert for eruptions, the tool proves to be a perfect and unequivocal detector of magmatic intrusions," resumes Philippe Jousset.
From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2026
The data are unequivocal: People subjected to these practices face sharply higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts.
From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026
This spring, manager Dave Roberts offered an unequivocal vote of confidence.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026
There’s one unequivocal piece of good news: the crate of two dozen paintings that Vincent had sent three weeks earlier, the first shipment from Arles, finally arrives in Paris.
From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
