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

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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 That leaves their specific role during Pegasus Charge 3 unclear. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 Microplastics are in our water and in our bodies, and the consequences are unclear. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The decline is real, but the cause is unclear, said Roseanna Ander, executive director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 What’s unclear right now if that API and publicly available Steam2 server content were accessed recently or if this weekend’s leak represents content that was privately archived before the 2013 server transition and is just now being made public. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unclear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unclear
  1. vague
  2. faint
  3. ambiguous
  4. hazy
Adjective
  • Maybe you’re tempted to overanalyze someone’s tone or a friend’s vague promise.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Aquarius January 20 – February 18 A vague request could create an impressive amount of unnecessary work today.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • The employee's voice is closer and louder, the customer's is farther and fainter.
    — Vivek Thomas, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The result is an 80-proof rum with no sugar added that has notes of tropical fruit, earth, vanilla, and some faint lime on the palate.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • Bergman’s scenario famously reaches the deeply ambiguous point at which the personalities of the actress Elisabet Vogler and her nurse, Alma, seem to merge.
    — Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • What remains are angry customers, ambiguous situations, exceptions, judgment calls and problems that have already failed one resolution attempt.
    — Antony P Gregory, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Its beers such as Easy Eddy, a hazy India pale ale, have won awards.
    — Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Some cleaners can also dull floors or leave a hazy residue on the surface.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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