Synonyms of unclear

unclear

adjective

ˌən-ˈklir 

1

as in vague

not expressed in precise terms

their suggestion for correcting the problem is a bit unclear

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vague
• ambiguous
• fuzzy
• cryptic
• confusing
• indefinite
• obscure
• enigmatic
• inexplicit
• uncertain
• murky
• nebulous
• unintelligible
• hazy
• undetermined
• equivocal
• indistinct
• muzzy
• blurry
• undefined
• indeterminate
• faint
• foggy
• mysterious
• perplexing
• inexplicable
• puzzling
• baffling
• dark
• misty
• bleary
• inscrutable
• indistinguishable
• confounding
• dim
• woozy
• unfathomable
• undefinable
• mystifying
• bewildering
• gauzy
• obfuscatory

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• specific
• clear
• explicit
• definite
• obvious
• direct
• understandable
• open
• straightforward
• honest
• frank
• outspoken
• unambiguous
• forthright
• unequivocal
• straight
• plain
• candid
• unguarded
• distinct
• comprehensible
• intelligible
• defined
• plainspoken
• unmistakable
• openhearted
• blatant
• foursquare
• fathomable
• patent
• well-defined

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

• vague
• faint
• hazy
• undetermined
• indistinct
• undefined
• nebulous
• murky
• fuzzy
• obscure
• blurry
• pale
• foggy
• shadowy
• indefinite
• opaque
• dark
• indistinguishable
• misty
• dim
• bleary
• blear
• puzzling
• mysterious
• invisible
• gauzy
• intangible
• gloomy
• inexplicable
• dusky
• incomprehensible
• indiscernible
• inappreciable
• indecipherable
• impalpable
• hieroglyphic
• obfuscatory

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• clear
• definite
• obvious
• evident
• certain
• distinct
• sure
• plain
• bright
• pellucid
• strong
• firm

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unclear

The case of longtime Shedd resident Beethoven remains particularly unclear, said Lori Marino, a neuroscientist specializing in animal behavior. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Or the weakness may be cultural, such as unclear communication between departments or tension between associates. — Nancy Padberg, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The exact percentage is unclear as about a third of petitions dropped from the docket without a ruling on the merits, but the authors believed many of them were settled. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

While the exact numbers may be unclear, researchers already know a lot about the health impacts of air pollution. — Anna Zarra Aldrich, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026