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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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 larger of the two awards is a $603 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract issued to Raytheon, an RTX business, for production and sustainment of the new AN/APQ-188 radar. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 If Clancy is found not guilty by reason of insanity, she would likely be committed to a secure state mental health facility for an indefinite period of time. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 Baltimore City passed a six-month moratorium in May, Harford County passed an indefinite ban in June, and Prince George’s and Montgomery counties both passed moratoriums in July. — Jorge Aguilar, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026 Excessive data gathering, lax access controls, indefinite retention, and insufficient governance all increase the impact of breaches. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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
  • The people in the crosshairs The most drastic shifts impact those who plan to stay in Japan for the longest – those applying for permanent residency, a status that grants rights to work, unlimited entries, and infinite stay.
    — Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In a world of infinite information, trust is the scarcest resource.
    — Nirav Tolia, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of infinite
Adjective
  • Occasionally, there is a vague resignation, but direct accountability is rare.
    — Brian O'Neill, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Find the point where judgment disappeared, ownership became vague or an old instruction remained available after its context changed.
    — Mani Padisetti, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • The employee's voice is closer and louder, the customer's is farther and fainter.
    — Vivek Thomas, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The result is an 80-proof rum with no sugar added that has notes of tropical fruit, earth, vanilla, and some faint lime on the palate.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • The latter ensured fewer protests against seemingly endless deployments but also meant that a disproportionate share of the population would bear the burden.
    — Michael E. Neagle, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Fed up with hacking through the endless lines of fees, charges, conditions, and restrictions on your wireless bill?
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of endless
Adjective
  • While fire investigators took photographs of the scene and collected evidence, the extent of the fire or damage is unclear.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026
  • For example, an enterprise may deploy an AI customer-service agent that achieves high technical accuracy, yet still fail because customers must repeat information, escalation paths are unclear and employees frequently override recommendations.
    — Ashwin Gaidhani, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of unclear
Adjective
  • Not in some ambiguous, interpretive way—but with your actual eyes.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Pathak describes Vijay Salgaonkar as increasingly morally ambiguous across the three films, anchored by one constant.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 2026.

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