nebulous

adjective

ˈne-byə-ləs How to pronounce nebulous (audio)
Definition of nebulousnext
1
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning made nebulous references to some major changes the future may hold

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vague
not seen or understood clearly could just make out the nebulous outline of a fishing shack in the dense fog

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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 nebulous Unlike cornrows or two-strand twists, which have clear, specific definitions, goddess braids are more nebulous. — Eden Stuart, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026 There aren’t easy answers for more nebulous skills such as understanding, communication, and vision. — Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 Though these predictions exist weeks ahead of events, their impact on preparedness is nebulous. — Vibhu Krishna, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026 The rift between my mother and her sister, Nell, was something more nebulous, harder to trace. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nebulous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nebulous
  1. ambiguous
  2. vague
  3. cryptic
  4. faint
  5. obscure
  6. hazy
  7. dark
Adjective
  • But the future of early-career employment is increasingly ambiguous, largely due to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • From here on out, the authorship of Tae-ju’s life is ambiguous, as well as constantly in flux, buffeted by the whims and suggestions of others, as well as by her own impulses.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Stipe added some vague details about the album’s politics (or lack thereof) as well.
    — Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • After months of last-minute cancellations and vague statements about Mike Love‘s health, the Beach Boys returned to the stage Saturday night at Cincinnati’s PNC Pavilion for their first public show since July.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • The cryptic eco-disaster project will represent a loss of hundreds of millions when all is said and done.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Emanuel’s cryptic comment comes amid claims that Meghan was in early talks to star in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • While the planets in our solar system are still visible, sky glow obscures more distant objects, such as fainter stars.
    — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Pulse, the faintest signal tested, produced 50 to 100 millivolts.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • What came next would eventually turn an obscure Medicaid settlement into a criminal investigation.
    — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There was very little original local production, and people were finding their favourite TV shows through obscure corners of the web.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of obscure
Adjective
  • But the movie is a little hazy about what the father may have actually done.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The story takes place during the course of one evening, in a hazy spiritual plane where anguished souls are caught between life and the hereafter.
    — Jane Bua, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of hazy
Adjective
  • Nordic drama is still often associated internationally with crime, darker tones and a certain visual restraint.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Campaign images show close-fitting cycling jerseys paired with dark shorts, with prints ranging from yellow-green graphics to blue-and-white patterns.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of dark

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nebulous
nebulously
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Cite this Entry

“Nebulous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nebulous. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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