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

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

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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

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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
  • Perhaps in an attempt to recognize the regulatory environment, the letter is notably careful and slightly vague in its language.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • Second, rather than vague commitments to pacing, double down on safety and security investments.
    — Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 29 July 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
  • The healthiest version of the creator economy shouldn’t leave people in endless one-way communication.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • There was just an endless stream of popular people and brands blasting popular things into your eyeballs and eardrums.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of endless
Adjective
  • Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN over the weekend the uranium enrichment provision includes stipulations imposed by the US, but details of potential limitations are unclear.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Whether Villa only wanted to loan Garnacho anyway is unclear, but there’s an obvious motive for not signing him permanently.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of unclear
Adjective
  • High performers are the ones most often asked to manage difficult clients, resolve cross-functional conflict, make judgment calls and handle ambiguous challenges.
    — Kim Meninger, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • This definition of midlife also has ambiguous boundaries, which Lachman readily admits.
    — Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026
Definition of ambiguous

Browse Nearby Words

indefinable
indefinite
indefiniteness
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Cite this Entry

“Indefinite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indefinite. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on indefinite

Nglish: Translation of indefinite for Spanish Speakers

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