indistinguishable

adjective

in·​dis·​tin·​guish·​able ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ-gwi-shə-bəl 

-ˈstiŋ-wi-

: not distinguishable: such as

a

: lacking identifying or individualizing qualities

seemingly indistinguishable alternatives

The copy is practically indistinguishable from the original.

b

: not clearly recognizable or understandable

indistinguishable differences

c

: indeterminate in shape or structure

indistinguishable forms in the mist

indistinguishability

ˌin-di-ˌstiŋ-gwi-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

-ˌstiŋ-wi-

noun

indistinguishableness

ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ-gwi-shə-bəl-nəs 

-ˈstiŋ-wi-

noun

indistinguishably

ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ-gwi-shə-blē 

-ˈstiŋ-wi-

adverb

Synonyms of indistinguishable

• invisible
• imperceptible
• subtle

Examples of indistinguishable in a Sentence

indistinguishable differences that can be measured only electronically

indistinguishable shapes in the fog

Recent Examples on the Web

To the naked eye, the two birds are virtually indistinguishable. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

There’s a rule in quantum physics that all identical quantum states are indistinguishable from one another, and that enables them to mix together. —Big Think, 24 Mar. 2026

The effects added even more variety to the light and texture of the dense foliage and rocks, making the depicted landscape indistinguishable from real-world photography. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Separating the podcasting business out could make the network indistinguishable from other podcast players, and less valuable. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for indistinguishable

• distinguishable
• inextinguishable
• undistinguishable

Kids Definition

indistinguishable

adjective

in·​dis·​tin·​guish·​able ˌin-dis-ˈtiŋ-gwish-ə-bəl 

: impossible to distinguish clearly