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

Gartner expects more than 40% of agentic AI projects, which are projects built on AI that acts on its own rather than waiting for instructions, to be scrapped by the end of 2027, citing escalating costs and unclear business value among the reasons. — Ciaran Cosgrave, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

What remains unclear is how much those inquiries overlap, and which contracts, payments or departments are drawing the most scrutiny. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026

The gunman's motive and association with the school remain unclear. — Irene Byon, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026

Teresa Iarocci Mavica, the museum’s cofounder, resigned at the end of 2021 for reasons that were unclear at the time. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026