indefinite

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
Definition of indefinitenext
1
as in infinite
being or seeming to be without limits the indefinite vastness of the frozen tundra

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vague
not expressed in precise terms an indefinite longing for something new and exciting in her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in faint
not seen or understood clearly through the dense fog we could just barely discern the indefinite form of another boat

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of indefinite The duration in days of a particular shower is somewhat arbitrary, since the beginning and ending are gradual and indefinite. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 18 July 2026 Late in the Ivy story, things erupted between them, and Ivy went into indefinite hibernation. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 16 July 2026 The publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking—unlikely, possible, definite, indefinite, cancelled, then actual—makes As Always, Julia intensely suspenseful. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 Evidence indicates that many patients who discontinue GLP-1 drugs regain much of the lost weight, creating strong incentives for long-term if not indefinite treatment. — Max Moser, STAT, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for indefinite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indefinite
  1. infinite
  2. vague
  3. faint
  4. endless
  5. unclear
  6. ambiguous
Adjective
  • Markets are designed to adjust to circumstances, but the elasticity of the system is not infinite.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Scooby-Doo’s bag that opens to a pocket universe and is capable of storing an infinite amount of things, including refrigerators, giant sandwiches, and entire sets of flatware that belonged to the late queen?
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Definition of infinite
Adjective
  • What happens after that is committed to the good common sense of the client who usually leaves that office with only vague notions about what has been done so far and what needs to be done in the future.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And the former state attorney general has generally kept his campaign promises broad and vague.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Because the new moon falls at virtually the same time, moonlight will not interfere, allowing even faint meteors to become visible from dark locations.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Red baseball stitches affix the quarter and foxing, and a slightly glossy gray Swoosh carries a faint diamond pattern.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • Its spirit is fueled by the stunning beauty of places like Yellowstone National Park, wide-open skies, endless horizons, and a frontier spirit that’s been alive for centuries.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Shopping for styles that pair seamlessly together can be a challenge, especially when you’re faced with endless options and an empty cart.
    — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of endless
Adjective
  • Both may help with blood sugar control and reducing calories, but their long-term health effects remain unclear.
    — Lindsey DeSoto, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026
  • What is unclear is how quickly Sacramento residents will begin to see the benefits of the law.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of unclear
Adjective
  • Just below, the most ambiguous passage of the work refuses legibility altogether, blending the whites and grays of the child’s shirt with the tones of her fingers and the blue fabric of the chair behind them.
    — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This is particularly true for limited series — or any series with ambiguous renewals.
    — Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of ambiguous

Browse Nearby Words

indefinable
indefinite
indefiniteness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indefinite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indefinite. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on indefinite

Nglish: Translation of indefinite for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of invidious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All