murky

adjective

ˈmər-kē How to pronounce murky (audio)
murkier; murkiest
Synonyms of murky
1
: characterized by a heavy dimness or obscurity caused by or like that caused by overhanging fog or smoke
the murky bottom of the lake
2
: characterized by thickness and heaviness of air : foggy, misty
Handicapped by my seasickness and by the murky skies, I hardly ever could make my star sights work.—Robert Shenk
3
: darkly vague or obscure
murky official rhetoric
He offered a murky explanation.
murkily
ˈmər-kə-lē How to pronounce murky (audio)
adverb
murkiness
ˈmər-kē-nəs How to pronounce murky (audio)
noun

Synonyms of murky

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Examples of murky in a Sentence

She peered into one of the church's murky chapels. a politician with a murky past
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The origin of the restrictions on Ukraine’s satellite communications remains murky, but the reality of the disruptions is not. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026 Destructive storms like Hurricane Milton in 2024, which made landfall on Florida’s west coast at Siesta Key, can destroy traps, make the water murky and otherwise cause complications for fishermen. — Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 The evidence is murkier than the common talking point suggests. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 The visuals are too murky even to provide a nasty thrill when a pod of orcas descends on Jay’s gargantuan host. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for murky

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of murky was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing murky

Rhymes for murky

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Browse Nearby Words

murksome
murky
murky bass
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Cite this Entry

“Murky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murky. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

murky

adjective
ˈmər-kē How to pronounce murky (audio)
murkier; murkiest
1
: very dark or gloomy
2
: foggy sense 1, misty
3
: difficult to understand
a murky reply designed to confuse
murkiness noun
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