unclear

adjective

un·​clear ˌən-ˈklir How to pronounce unclear (audio)
Synonyms of unclearnext
: not clear: such as
a
: difficult to understand
an unclear explanation
unclear instructions
an unclear reference
b
: confused or uncertain about something
—often used with about
was a little unclear about how to proceed
unclearly adverb
speaking unclearly
an unclearly remembered incident

Synonyms of unclear

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Examples of unclear in a Sentence

their suggestion for correcting the problem is a bit unclear obtained at best an unclear glimpse of the rarely seen bird from across the road
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.
Many nurses and union officials said strengthening the law is essential and that the law’s language is unclear, leaving it open to different interpretations. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026 Whether those safeguards were followed in Morales García’s case remains unclear. — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026 Mayor Castillo told the Sun Sentinel on Friday that any financial implications for residents and whether the city will terminate its current contracts remain unclear. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 The extent of the experiments’ impact on the West African chimps, whose average age is 30 to 35, is unclear, as findings from the assessments are yet to be concluded. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unclear

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unclear was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing unclear

Rhymes for unclear

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Browse Nearby Words

uncleanly
unclear
uncleared
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unclear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclear. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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