UNCLEAR Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

unclear

adjective

ˌən-ˈklir

Definition of unclear

as in vague

not expressed in precise terms their suggestion for correcting the problem is a bit unclear

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 However, the extent of the benefit remains unclear pending release of detailed results. — Mariam Sunny, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 The exact method the developers used for their random number generators remains unclear. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 25 Aug. 2026 New option for carrier aviation The AIM-424’s precise role within the Navy’s weapons inventory remains unclear. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 The cause of the crash remains unclear, but firefighters said that five people were hospitalized with injuries of varying severity. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unclear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unclear

Adjective

The Fed chairman, who took charge of the central bank in May, is deliberately vague, saying investors and businesses should watch what's happening in the economy, not in the policymaking corridors of Washington.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
The Senate proposal also includes measures to try and lighten the loads on Californians’ utility bills, though again, details remain vague.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of vague

Adjective

This stage begins when the moon enters the faint edges of Earth's shadow, called the penumbra.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
That year, the Perseids will peak in the glare of a waxing moon just four days from turning full, and the moonlight will hide many of the shower's fainter shooting stars.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of faint

Adjective

Then ask the insurer, in writing, about anything the certificate leaves ambiguous.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Though her character’s fate was left ambiguous by the end of the film, it was ultimately revealed in 2023’s Scream VI that Kirby survived an intense stab wound and went on to become an FBI special agent.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of ambiguous

Browse Nearby Words

uncleanness

unclear

uncleared

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unclear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unclear. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unclear

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes