indistinguishable

adjective

in·​dis·​tin·​guish·​able ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ-gwi-shə-bəl 

-ˈstiŋ-wi-

: not distinguishable: such as

a

: lacking identifying or individualizing qualities

seemingly indistinguishable alternatives

The copy is practically indistinguishable from the original.

b

: not clearly recognizable or understandable

indistinguishable differences

c

: indeterminate in shape or structure

indistinguishable forms in the mist

indistinguishability

ˌin-di-ˌstiŋ-gwi-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

-ˌstiŋ-wi-

noun

indistinguishableness

ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ-gwi-shə-bəl-nəs 

-ˈstiŋ-wi-

noun

indistinguishably

ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ-gwi-shə-blē 

-ˈstiŋ-wi-

adverb

Synonyms of indistinguishable

• invisible
• imperceptible
• subtle

Examples of indistinguishable in a Sentence

indistinguishable differences that can be measured only electronically

indistinguishable shapes in the fog

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials say the fog was indistinguishable from the chemical plume. — Lana Zak, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

The American Council on Science and Health notes that natural and artificial flavors are often chemically indistinguishable. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

For this group, politics and art are so entwined as to be indistinguishable. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

But to my untrained eye, their onyx-coats are frustratingly indistinguishable from the volcanic terrain. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for indistinguishable

• distinguishable
• inextinguishable
• undistinguishable

Kids Definition

indistinguishable

adjective

in·​dis·​tin·​guish·​able ˌin-dis-ˈtiŋ-gwish-ə-bəl 

: impossible to distinguish clearly