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

The old woman is speaking, but her voice is far away and indistinct. —Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025

If so, what? Matthews should pursue a development that resists becoming an indistinct extension of Charlotte-a direction that does not reflect my vision for the town. —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025

Their experiences were dismissed as indistinct from men’s, shaped by patriarchal assumptions about heroism. —Christopher P. Davey, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025

But The Morning Show does it so needlessly and so predictably, hitting all the standard tropes of this kind of indistinct othering and then tossing the subplot aside. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025

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