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 With the health benefits unclear, the most advantageous use of the Dex glasses is for the looks. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 However, with the realignment of NASA's Artemis Program, as well as budget disagreements between the Administration and Congress, the future of CMPS remains unclear. — Chris Carberry, Space.com, 7 July 2026 The bank comes alive Why exactly Epstein created an offshore bank is unclear. — Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 Recounts often vary from initial vote tallies by a few votes because of operator error recasting the ballot and because voters’ markings on ballots are sometimes unclear to the machine — think hanging chad, only the Scantron version. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unclear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unclear
  1. vague
  2. faint
  3. ambiguous
  4. hazy
Adjective
  • The section’s vague language and many loopholes could have a chilling effect on any research that studies the effects of a disease, policy or public health intervention on any specific group of people, Rafla-Yuan said.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Trip reports were vague but full of warnings about steep canyon walls and boat-eating holes.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • There was a pungent smell and a faint buzzing sound coming from the bedroom.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Though her father has moved to Savannah in the faint hope of reviving his relationship with her and his grandchildren, Anna has wisely kept her distance from him, given his criminal past and his as-yet-unarticulated failings as a parent.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • As for the ambiguous finale, Hall and Bravo have similar, but slightly different views on it.
    — Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 9 July 2026
  • Much of what couples experience as conflict is, on closer inspection, a disagreement about which interpretation of an ambiguous event is the correct one, and that disagreement is rarely settled by appeals to trust.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • In fact, the iconic band of hazy light known as the galactic center should routinely be visible for a few more months across the United States – and the rest of the northern hemisphere – arcing across the night sky.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Go for the bold, unique brews, like the Blizzard of ’67 (named after an infamous winter storm), a hazy triple IPA with orange, pineapple, and mango notes.
    — Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 1 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unclear

Nglish: Translation of unclear for Spanish Speakers

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