1. Plural of amphiboly; ambiguous or equivocal statements or expressions that can be interpreted in more than one way.
Usage: formal; often used in logic, rhetoric, or literary analysis
2. In classical rhetoric and logic, statements whose grammatical structure allows multiple interpretations.
Usage: archaic; academic

Examples

• The ancient oracle's amphibolies were famous for misleading those who sought prophecy.
• The lawyer pointed out the amphibolies in the contract that could lead to disputes.
• Shakespeare often employed amphibolies in his plays to create dramatic irony.
• The politician's speech was full of amphibolies that allowed supporters to interpret it as they wished.
• Students of rhetoric study amphibolies to understand how language can be deliberately obscured.
• The amphibolies in the witness's testimony made it difficult for the jury to reach a verdict.