unclear

adjective

ˌən-ˈklir How to pronounce unclear (audio)
Definition of unclearnext
1
as in vague
not expressed in precise terms their suggestion for correcting the problem is a bit unclear

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faint
not seen or understood clearly obtained at best an unclear glimpse of the rarely seen bird from across the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 unclear So far, the timeline for any Israeli withdrawal has been unclear, and about 400,000 Lebanese people remain internally displaced because of Israeli occupation or destruction of their homes. — Emily Feng, NPR, 21 July 2026 The status of Florida’s investigation into the brothers remains unclear. — Kat Tenbarge, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026 Despite the numerous witnesses who presumably saw Wells, much remains publicly unclear about his final hours. — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 However, the details and timeline for implementing the decision remain unclear. — ABC News, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unclear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unclear
  1. vague
  2. faint
  3. ambiguous
  4. hazy
Adjective
  • But the recall list was vague, not providing consumers with information on where the lettuce was sold or how consumers could avoid it.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
  • Recently, the Montgomery County, Maryland, school district made local headlines after officials required administrators to review student newspapers prior to publication and outright censor certain reports based on vague standards.
    — Annabelle Garland, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • By adding together the images taken on a single spot, fainter objects become visible.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
  • The beautiful double star Albireo — one bright yellow and the other a fainter blue — sits at the beak of Cygnus, the Swan.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, who qualifies for the Robinhood Platinum Card is a little ambiguous.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • Many leaders in the late 18th century already considered privateering a morally ambiguous practice, according to Michael Crawford, a former senior historian at the Naval History and Heritage Command.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Then we’re yanked into Louis’s hazy POV, from which Armand is reading another one of his apology letters.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Under a red condition, the sky can look hazy and smoky, visibility drops and the air may smell like smoke.
    — Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026
Definition of hazy

Browse Nearby Words

uncleanness
unclear
uncleared
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unclear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unclear. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unclear

Nglish: Translation of unclear for Spanish Speakers

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