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

Yet the origins of this decision to restrict rare-earth exports remain unclear. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

If the answer to any of these questions is unclear, trust will remain difficult to achieve. — Robert E. Williams, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

With prospects for a deal toward ending the war with Iran unclear, the stability of oil supplies remains uncertain with the Strait of Hormuz nearly closed, blocking a vital route for oil and gas tankers from the Middle East. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Even when teams share a common purpose, group conversations can still falter when responsibility is unclear. — Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business Review, 17 Aug. 2026