indefinite

adjective

in·​def·​i·​nite (ˌ)in-ˈde-fə-nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
-ˈdef-nət
Synonyms of indefinite
: not definite: such as
a
: not precise : vague
an indefinite answer
b
: having no exact limits
an indefinite period of time
put on indefinite hold
c
: typically designating an unidentified, generic, or unfamiliar person or thing
the indefinite articles a and an
indefinite pronouns
indefinite noun
indefinitely adverb
indefiniteness noun

Synonyms of indefinite

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Examples of indefinite in a Sentence

We're stuck here for an indefinite period of time. Their plans have been put on indefinite hold. She is indefinite about her plans.
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 show’s central quintet reside in the childhood home of Samir, whose semi-retired parents are on an apparently indefinite tour of the national parks. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026 The hearing included an indefinite recess due to technical problems before resuming. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026 The larger of the two awards is a $603 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract issued to Raytheon, an RTX business, for production and sustainment of the new AN/APQ-188 radar. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 If Clancy is found not guilty by reason of insanity, she would likely be committed to a secure state mental health facility for an indefinite period of time. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for indefinite

Word History

Etymology

Latin indefinitus, from in- + definitus definite

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indefinite was in 1530

Phrases Containing indefinite

Rhymes for indefinite

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Browse Nearby Words

indefinable
indefinite
indefinite article
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Cite this Entry

“Indefinite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indefinite. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

indefinite

adjective
in·​def·​i·​nite (ˈ)in-ˈdef-(ə-)nət How to pronounce indefinite (audio)
1
: not clear or fixed in meaning or details : vague
an indefinite answer
2
: not certain or limited (as in amount or length)
an indefinite period
3
: typically designating a person or thing that is unidentified or cannot be immediately identified
the indefinite articles "a" and "an"
indefinite noun
indefinitely adverb
indefiniteness noun
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