indistinct

adjective

in·​dis·​tinct ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t 

: not distinct: such as

a

: not sharply outlined or separable : blurred

indistinct figures in the fog

b

: faint, dim

an indistinct light in the distance

c

: not clearly recognizable or understandable : uncertain

The sound was indistinct at first but grew louder and clearer.

indistinctly

ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t-lē 

-ˈstiŋ-klē

adverb

indistinctness

ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs 

-ˈstiŋk-nəs

noun

Synonyms of indistinct

• vague
• faint
• hazy

Examples of indistinct in a Sentence

indistinct figures in the fog

managed to discern a blurry, indistinct shadow through the downpour

Recent Examples on the Web

Even populous British colonies like Virginia and Pennsylvania grew blurry on their western frontiers, where indistinct borders were protected by a few lonely forts. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

The video contained audio of the girl choking, as well as indistinct banging in the truck. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026

Ovidian metamorphosis is a perfect manifestation of the third space in which either/or is replaced by hybridity and, as Calvino says, indistinct borders. —Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026

Depending on the moment, the album can feel either profoundly affecting or frustratingly indistinct. —Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin indistinctus, from in- + distinctus distinct

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for indistinct

• interlinked
• blinked
• clinked
• inked
• kinked
• linked
• tinct
• winked
• distinct
• extinct
• hoodwinked
• precinct

Kids Definition

indistinct

adjective

in·​dis·​tinct ˌin-dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t 

: not distinct or clear

indistinct figures in the fog

a far-off indistinct light

indistinctly adverb

indistinctness noun