indistinct

adjective

in·​dis·​tinct ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce indistinct (audio)
: 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
indistinctly adverb
indistinctness noun

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
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.
The resulting black-and-white photograph shows some two dozen deer in a mesmerizing blur — indistinct, eerie white figures under a canopy of trees. Richard Sandomir, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 He is often seen in sharp focus while people and objects around him are blurred and indistinct. Richard Kuipers, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024 Tonight sees the comet move from the constellation Virgo into Serpens, a small and indistinct shape of eight stars that resemble a snake. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 As the effects spread to the lips, tongue and jaw, his speech devolved into indistinct sounds that his daughter could not understand. Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indistinct 

Word History

Etymology

Latin indistinctus, from in- + distinctus distinct

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indistinct was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near indistinct

Cite this Entry

“Indistinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indistinct. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

indistinct

adjective
in·​dis·​tinct ˌin-dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t How to pronounce indistinct (audio)
: not distinct or clear
indistinct figures in the fog
a far-off indistinct light
indistinctly adverb
indistinctness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on indistinct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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