as in indefinite
formal
not able to be stated or described in an exact way
a man of indeterminate age an indeterminate number of people
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 indeterminate
Before the nineteen-eighties, judges around the country often used what was known as indeterminate sentencing.
—
Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
Vince, who co-founded the Black Rabbit with his brother years ago, has been hiding out in Reno for an indeterminate period, for unambivalent reasons.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Pinch off the growing tips of vining crops, such as indeterminate tomatoes, squash, and melons, to force the plants to redirect their energy to fruit production.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025
Under a 1988 state law, California’s governor holds the unusual power to approve, deny or modify parole board decisions for people convicted of murder and sentenced to an indeterminate term.
—Matthew J. Friedman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indeterminate
Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2025
Vince, who co-founded the Black Rabbit with his brother years ago, has been hiding out in Reno for an indeterminate period, for unambivalent reasons.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Pinch off the growing tips of vining crops, such as indeterminate tomatoes, squash, and melons, to force the plants to redirect their energy to fruit production.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2025
Under a 1988 state law, California’s governor holds the unusual power to approve, deny or modify parole board decisions for people convicted of murder and sentenced to an indeterminate term.
—Matthew J. Friedman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indeterminate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indeterminate
Adjective
-
The justices’ pointed questions suggested unease with the idea of indefinite, unilateral tariff authority based on emergency declarations.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
After a temporary return to work, about 1,200 workers will be placed on indefinite layoff, the company confirmed Tuesday.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Food Sources of Calcium The following includes examples of calcium-rich foods and their approximate percent Daily Value (% DV) based on a 1,300 mg daily requirement for adults.—
Trang Tran,
Verywell Health,
5 Nov. 2025
-
There has been mounting outside pressure on LSU to make a coaching change at the top, but Kelly's approximate $52 million buyout is prohibitive.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indeterminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indeterminate. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share