indistinct

adjective

in·​dis·​tinct ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce indistinct (audio)
: 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
indistinctly adverb
indistinctness noun

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 The other video showed what was said to be the site of an attack, though the images were indistinct. Steven Lee Myers, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024 But this production lacks polish — beyond the strength of its performances, the directorial vision feels indistinct, the blocking messy. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 June 2023 The impetus for the decision was long-standing concern that the symbols were racist and of poor, indistinct designs. Mark Wasson, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2024 The three are indistinct, as are so many of the people in Whistler’s scenes of urban life. Angelica Aboulhosn, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2023 An official can make a decision if the impact on their interests is indistinct from the impacts on the public. Dorany Pineda, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023 Kogan had become hard of hearing lately and indistinct muttering to the side annoyed him. Lyudmila Ulitskaya, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023 Even then, the character is simply known as The Manager, and her potential love interest (Danny Pudi) is left even more indistinct. Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2023 The investigators listened to the conversations on the flash drive and discerned some indistinct muttering that led them to make broad conclusions about Anatoly’s fantasies, but there was nothing about preparing for an explosion. Oleh Sentsov, The New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indistinct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near indistinct

Cite this Entry

“Indistinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indistinct. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!