indistinct

adjective

in·​dis·​tinct ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce indistinct (audio)
Synonyms of indistinctnext
: not distinct: such as
a
: not sharply outlined or separable : blurred
indistinct figures in the fog
b
: faint, dim
an indistinct light in the distance
c
: not clearly recognizable or understandable : uncertain
The sound was indistinct at first but grew louder and clearer.
indistinctly
ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t-lē How to pronounce indistinct (audio)
-ˈstiŋ-klē
adverb
indistinctness
ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs How to pronounce indistinct (audio)
-ˈstiŋk-nəs
noun

Synonyms of indistinct

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Examples of indistinct in a Sentence

indistinct figures in the fog managed to discern a blurry, indistinct shadow through the downpour
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.
Yet cycling’s code of ethics is both large and indistinct; the scale of Pogačar’s dominance threatens its traditions. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026 There, a holiday somewhere hot and indistinct, the only clear memory compressed into the feeling of rough grains of sand studding her feet. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026 On the other hand, a large yard filled solely with small plants can look indistinct unless a few larger plants are added as anchors. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026 Two other robots approach an indistinct tree line, and devastating blasts follow, the unit saying Russian positions had been spotted there earlier. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for indistinct

Word History

Etymology

Latin indistinctus, from in- + distinctus distinct

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indistinct was in 1526

Rhymes for indistinct

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Browse Nearby Words

indissolvable
indistinct
indistinction
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Cite this Entry

“Indistinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indistinct. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

indistinct

adjective
in·​dis·​tinct ˌin-dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t How to pronounce indistinct (audio)
: not distinct or clear
indistinct figures in the fog
a far-off indistinct light
indistinctly adverb
indistinctness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on indistinct

Nglish: Translation of indistinct for Spanish Speakers

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