Unclear — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌən-ˈklir/ un·clear

Meaning & Definition of Unclear

Unclear (adjective)

  1. not clear
  2. difficult to understand
  3. confused or uncertain about something —often used with about

Unclear (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not expressed in precise terms

    "their suggestion for correcting the problem is a bit unclear"

    similar: fuzzy, indefinite, inexplicit, muzzy, vague
    related: ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, murky, nebulous, obscure, unintelligible, bleary, blurry, dim, faint, foggy, gauzy, hazy, misty, woozy, indeterminate, indistinct, indistinguishable, uncertain, undefinable, undefined, undetermined, inexplicable, inscrutable, mysterious, baffling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, mystifying, obfuscatory, perplexing, puzzling, unfathomable
    opposite: clear, definite, explicit, specific
    near: candid, direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, honest, open, openhearted, outspoken, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded, obvious, plain, unambiguous, understandable, unequivocal, comprehensible, fathomable, intelligible, defined, distinct, well-defined, blatant, patent, unmistakable

  2. not seen or understood clearly

    "obtained at best an unclear glimpse of the rarely seen bird from across the road"

    similar: blear, bleary, blurry, dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, gauzy, hazy, indefinite, indistinct, indistinguishable, misty, murky, nebulous, obscure, opaque, pale, shadowy, undefined, undetermined, vague
    related: dark, dusky, gloomy, impalpable, inappreciable, intangible, invisible, hieroglyphic, incomprehensible, indecipherable, indiscernible, inexplicable, mysterious, obfuscatory, puzzling
    opposite: clear, definite, pellucid
    near: bright, distinct, evident, obvious, plain, certain, firm, strong, sure

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Unclear

The most common words with a similar meaning to Unclear:

fuzzy, indefinite, inexplicit, muzzy, vague, blear, bleary, blurry, dim, faint, foggy, gauzy, hazy, indistinct, indistinguishable, misty, murky, nebulous, obscure, opaque, pale, shadowy, undefined, undetermined

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Unclear

Words with the opposite meaning of Unclear:

clear, definite, explicit, specific, pellucid

Related Words for Unclear

ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, unintelligible, woozy, indeterminate, uncertain, undefinable, inexplicable, inscrutable, mysterious, baffling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, mystifying, obfuscatory, perplexing, puzzling, unfathomable, dusky, gloomy, impalpable, inappreciable, intangible, invisible, hieroglyphic, incomprehensible

Near Antonyms of Unclear

candid, direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, honest, open, openhearted, outspoken, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded, obvious, plain, unambiguous, understandable, unequivocal, comprehensible, fathomable, intelligible, defined, distinct, well-defined, blatant, patent, unmistakable, bright, evident, certain

Word Forms of Unclear

Derived words: unclearly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Unclear

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Unclear

unclear on the concept of

Frequently Asked Questions about Unclear

What does "Unclear" mean?

"Unclear" means not clear. As an adjective, it is defined as: not clear. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Unclear"?

Other words for "Unclear" include fuzzy, indefinite, inexplicit, muzzy, vague, blear, bleary and blurry. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Unclear" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Unclear"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Unclear". Common alternatives include fuzzy, indefinite, inexplicit, muzzy, vague, blear, bleary, blurry, dim and faint.

What is the opposite of "Unclear"?

Antonyms of "Unclear" include clear, definite, explicit, specific and pellucid. Near antonyms include candid, direct, forthright and foursquare.

How do you use "Unclear" in a sentence?

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".

Is "Unclear" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Unclear" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Unclear"?

"Unclear" is pronounced /ˌən-ˈklir/ and divided into syllables as un·clear.

What is the origin of the word "Unclear"?

First known use: 15th century.