as in erroneous
not showing that something is certainly true
The results of the test proved inconclusive. an inconclusive argument
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Recent Examples of inconclusive
For now, Feaster says, the evidence that Georg Theodor Jacob Müller created some version of a phonograph remains intriguing, inconclusive—and elusive.
—
Ron Cowen, Scientific American, 3 June 2026
Using GLP-1s Off-Label to Help Prevent Dementia Despite the inconclusive science, some people are already taking GLP-1s to help prevent or slow dementia.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 2 June 2026
In the meantime, that war drew to an inconclusive close in 1764.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Leslie’s game-winner was reviewed due to a Central Situation Room review for a potential hand pass by captain Brianne Jenner, but was deemed inconclusive.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconclusive
Ron Cowen, Scientific American, 3 June 2026
Using GLP-1s Off-Label to Help Prevent Dementia Despite the inconclusive science, some people are already taking GLP-1s to help prevent or slow dementia.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 2 June 2026
In the meantime, that war drew to an inconclusive close in 1764.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Leslie’s game-winner was reviewed due to a Central Situation Room review for a potential hand pass by captain Brianne Jenner, but was deemed inconclusive.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inconclusive
Adjective
-
The good news is, though, that while an erroneous freeze can cause big trouble with your bills, it can usually be reversed.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
Judge Nicole Hopps last month increased his minimum term of incarceration to 60 years after granting his request to correct the erroneous sentence.—
Tom Olsen,
Twin Cities,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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Poets, baseball players and musicians aside, Edwards said much of what has been presented about Rector — especially online — is inaccurate.—
Dan Kelly
June 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
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JeffCo says that assertion is completely inaccurate, and the males listed on those rosters were coaches, trainers, and mascots, not athletes.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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The researchers calculated welfare losses from incorrect beliefs could potentially reach up to 43% of the initial loan balance in the most extreme cases, translating to roughly $21,500 on the median borrower’s $50,000 in debt.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
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For example, many borrowers are getting incorrect estimates of what their bill would be on IBR, Rodriguez said.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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When an audience member posed a hypothetical choice between a flawed but distinctive film and a polished but unremarkable one, Leung said either would do, arguing that cinema’s goal was sincerity, in performance or in a director’s expression, rather than polish.—
Jenny S. Li,
Variety,
20 June 2026
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By the time the tournament reached Argentina four years later, though, the Dutch were not quite the slick — if defensively-flawed — outfit that played in 1974.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
This headline is so misleading.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 June 2026
-
Pretending that’s not going to happen is misleading and wrong.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Adjective
-
Tom Kim dropped two shots at the wrong time and shot 72.—
Doug Ferguson,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
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Every traveler has a trip that went spectacularly wrong.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inconclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inconclusive. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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