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

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

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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 Rumors abound as to why Strokes guitarist Nick Valensi has been on indefinite hiatus from his longtime band since May, but that hasn’t stopped him from playing with other artists. — Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026 As a result, he will be sidelined for an indefinite amount of time. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 Several weeks have now turned into an indefinite amount of time away from the Buckeyes, and Day admitted the team is preparing as if Sayin won’t be available for the remainder of the regular season, and even worse, the College Football Playoff. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Kyedae has been on an indefinite hiatus from streaming since April 2025. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 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
  • Moynihan’s ebullient Rusty is a figure of childlike id and infinite loyalty, with a surprising interiority that gets deeper examination in season two.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
  • In space, however, the ability to stretch out is practically infinite — after taking into account, of course, engineering and financing constraints.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of infinite
Adjective
  • Hoffman denied the allegations at the time, issuing only a vague apology.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Both models can answer this clearly — a vague answer is the warning sign, not the model itself.
    — Burak Onal, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Close to Capella is a triangle of faint stars that are known as The Kids — Epsilon, Zeta and Eta Aurigae — traditionally imagined as the offspring of Capella.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Scrooge’s dad is now brutally abusive, a trauma with faint support in the book, and his kindly mentor Fezziwig (Ian Midlane) gets stabbed to death by a street urchin, a trauma that’s brand new.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • The future could be secured, the endless frightened knocking in Isabelle's chest finally quieted.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • In an age of endless content, a true story may be the one thing a competitor cannot copy.
    — Kylie Slavik, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of endless
Adjective
  • Also unclear is how Tomo chose the Ranger as the basis for its truck.
    — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 8 Nov. 2026
  • For now, climate change’s net effect on Lyme disease risk is still unclear.
    — Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of unclear
Adjective
  • All of which leads to an ambiguous conclusion that might cue lively discussion among folks who stick around for the final minutes.
    — Joe Leydon, Variety, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The cover art for The Holy Cross Tigers is awash in burgundy, a more ambiguous shade that’s indicative of the oppositional emotions stewing within.
    — Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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