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.
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 Many important details remain unclear, including who will cover necessary investments, the identity of the private operator and how America’s stake in the company breaks down. — Collin Binkley, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 The shooter’s motive and the exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, police said. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Many important details remain unclear, including the identity of the private operator, who will cover necessary investments and how America’s stake in the company breaks down. — Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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