nebulous

adjective

ˈne-byə-ləs How to pronounce nebulous (audio)
Definition of nebulousnext
1
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning made nebulous references to some major changes the future may hold

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vague
not seen or understood clearly could just make out the nebulous outline of a fishing shack in the dense fog

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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 nebulous Our children need to be prepared for life and not filled with nebulous theories of fairness and diversity. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 The administration’s efforts, led by Vice President JD Vance, have sometimes been overestimated or nebulous. — Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Unlike cornrows or two-strand twists, which have clear, specific definitions, goddess braids are more nebulous. — Eden Stuart, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026 There aren’t easy answers for more nebulous skills such as understanding, communication, and vision. — Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nebulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nebulous
  1. ambiguous
  2. vague
  3. cryptic
  4. faint
  5. obscure
  6. hazy
  7. dark
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
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
  • Then, on October 26, a member of Parliament—who happened to be the brother-in-law of one of the conspirators—received a cryptic, anonymous letter.
    — Lucia Barnum, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The news arrives after a cryptic graphic teasing the tour was posted on Instagram, featuring imagery from The Great Divide.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of cryptic
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 pope is, among many other things, an American baby boomer who, earlier this summer, referenced in a footnote in a treatise on peace a Dylan lyric so obscure that not even Padgett had ever heard of it.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026
  • From star lender to seized bank Ueno Bank, which skyrocketed from an obscure finance company to a household name in less than five years, claimed more than 60% of Paraguay’s adults as customers.
    — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • This view shows the nebula as a brown pillar of dust embedded in a hazy, almost rainbow field of dust and gas.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than drawing a precise border around the lips, the technique involves buffing pigment outward to create a hazy, almost airbrushed effect.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of hazy
Adjective
  • The watch is home to a dark gray gradient opaline in the dial’s center, surrounded by a light-gray sunburst gradient on the chapter ring.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The television special offered a glimpse of the conversation pit, now done up with dark maroon carpet and a navy sofa with white cushions.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of dark

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nebulous
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Cite this Entry

“Nebulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nebulous. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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