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 wagon wheels were fun in theory, but overcooked to the point that pasta and sauce blurred into a soft, indistinct bite (not so fun). —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026

Standing beside Hughes was a nurse, her starched white cap perched high on her head, her face an indistinct blur. —Steven Levingston, Vanity Fair, 23 Feb. 2026

Her voice is intimate and resonant, whether cut up into indistinct background flurries or pushed to the front of the mix. —Alex Robert Ross, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026

The series begins with a murder in tiny Dahlonega, an indistinct town an hour from Atlanta. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 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