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

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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 But that arrangement became effectively indefinite, with successive heads of Tigray’s interim administration appointed by Abiy. — Alemayehu Fentaw Weldemariam, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026 Spain’s government has pledged to announce housing measures Tuesday, as protesters call for indefinite rental contracts and an end to evictions when no alternative housing is available. — Alicia León, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026 The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract covers initial procurement and future orders of PrSM Increment 2, along with follow-on production and continued development. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026 So sometimes people say like misty states or indefinite states. — Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 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
  • If Fielder is again playing a version of himself here, Holmes seems to be offering near infinite versions of herself up for examination, like a set of unblinking reflections in a hall of funhouse mirrors.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • More emails, more notifications, more infinite feeds — the steady drip of data spells doom for the overstimulated American.
    — Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of infinite
Adjective
  • Stipe added some vague details about the album’s politics (or lack thereof) as well.
    — Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • After months of last-minute cancellations and vague statements about Mike Love‘s health, the Beach Boys returned to the stage Saturday night at Cincinnati’s PNC Pavilion for their first public show since July.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • While the planets in our solar system are still visible, sky glow obscures more distant objects, such as fainter stars.
    — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Pulse, the faintest signal tested, produced 50 to 100 millivolts.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • What to do nearby The possibilities (and activities) are endless.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Residents enjoy a Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole golf course, miles of hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, and endless opportunities on Lake Keowee, including boating, swimming, or simply quiet moments on the water.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of endless
Adjective
  • For Modi, the protests pose a challenge midway through his third term, though their political impact remains unclear.
    — Sheikh Saaliq, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Their capabilities and operational maturity, however, remain unclear.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of unclear
Adjective
  • But the future of early-career employment is increasingly ambiguous, largely due to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • From here on out, the authorship of Tae-ju’s life is ambiguous, as well as constantly in flux, buffeted by the whims and suggestions of others, as well as by her own impulses.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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