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unclear

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adjective un·clear \ ˌən-ˈklir \

Definition of unclear

:not clear: such as
a :difficult to understand
  • an unclear explanation
  • unclear instructions
  • an unclear reference
b :confused or uncertain about something —often used with about
  • was a little unclear about how to proceed
—

unclearly

adverb
    • speaking unclearly
    • an unclearly remembered incident

See unclear defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of unclear from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unclear.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of unclear

15th century

unclear Synonyms

Synonyms
fuzzy, indefinite, inexplicit, muzzy, vague
Antonyms
clear, definite, explicit, specific
Related Words
ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic (also enigmatical), equivocal, murky, nebulous, obscure, unintelligible; bleary, blurry, dim, faint, foggy, gauzy, hazy, misty, woozy; indeterminate, indistinct, indistinguishable, uncertain, undefinable, undefined, undetermined; inexplicable, inscrutable, mysterious; baffling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, mystifying, obfuscatory, perplexing, puzzling, unfathomable
Near Antonyms
candid, direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, honest, open, openhearted, outspoken, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded; obvious, plain, unambiguous, understandable, unequivocal; comprehensible, fathomable, intelligible; defined, distinct, well-defined; blatant, patent, unmistakable

Phrases Related to UNCLEAR

Related Phrases

UNCLEAR Defined for Kids

unclear

adjective un·clear \ ˌən-ˈklir \

Definition of unclear for Students

:difficult to understand or make sense of
  • Your directions are unclear.

Learn More about unclear

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unclear Spanish Central: Translation of unclear Nglish: Translation of unclear for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of unclear for Arabic speakers

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