vaguer; vaguest
1
a
: not clear in meaning : stated in a way that is general and not specific
The instructions she left were vague and difficult to follow.
He gave only a vague answer.
The judges determined that the law was too vague to be fairly enforced.
b
: not thinking or expressing your thoughts clearly or precisely
She has been vague about her plans for college.
When I asked him what they talked about, he was rather vague. [=he did not tell me exactly what they talked about]
2
a
: not completely formed or developed
vague memories/recollections
We had only a vague idea/notion of where we were.
I think I have a vague understanding of how it works.
He bore a vague resemblance to the famous actor. [=he looked a little like the famous actor]
b
: not able to be described clearly : not clearly or strongly felt
He longed in some vague way for something different.
She felt a vague sense of uneasiness when she was around him.
I had the vague impression that they were withholding information.
3
: not able to be seen clearly
vague [=indistinct] figures in the distance
We could just barely make out the vague outline of a plane in the sky.
Cite this Entry
“Vague.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/vague. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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