gray area
noun
: an area or situation in which it is difficult to judge what is right and what is wrong
There are no gray areas in the rules.
a legal gray area
Examples of gray area in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However its active compounds, which can trigger euphoria or alertness, are technically listed as psychotropic substances, creating a complex legal gray area in Kenya.
—
Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Legal experts said the incident highlights the gray area local police can face when responding to incidents involving federal immigration authorities.
—Kenny Choi, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
The Sacramento Police Department’s internal sweeps policy does not mention a gray area.
—Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Dating apps exist in a legal gray area.
—Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gray area
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joseph Maina, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Legal experts said the incident highlights the gray area local police can face when responding to incidents involving federal immigration authorities.
—Kenny Choi, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
The Sacramento Police Department’s internal sweeps policy does not mention a gray area.
—Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Dating apps exist in a legal gray area.
—Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gray area
Cite this Entry
“Gray area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gray%20area. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
