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
  • Among them is Celmins, the masterful pop-landscapist who paints in infinite textures, taking on the universal with an obsessive tenacity.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026
  • But our inability to see an answer doesn’t mean that God, infinite Mind, is without one.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of infinite
Adjective
  • The steps and skills required to adequately shop for groceries or pick out the right kindergarten for a child are broad and vague.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Trump’s allegations, the judge found, were vague, conclusory and sometimes contradicted by the article itself.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • As light mist obscured the far-off Chicago skyline, only the faint sounds of metal cranes clanging and construction vehicles beeping in the distance broke up the quiet morning at Park 566 in South Shore.
    — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The brightest planets are 100,000 times fainter than their host stars, meaning spotting them is like observing a firefly hovering around a lighthouse.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • Like the rest of us, Pierce Brosnan has been following the seemingly endless and exhaustive search for the next James Bond.
    — Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Voters have received endless campaign texts and mailers and spent months following the headlines on fiercely competitive state and local races.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 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
  • 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
  • But Maryland’s climate goals have been ambiguous and inconsistent.
    — Alex Pavlak, Baltimore Sun, 3 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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