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
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.
Something similar could be said for the grainy, indistinct black-and-white photos of tortured and murdered prisoners, the shaky footage of work camps. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 June 2025 The show’s focus puller also does the Lord’s work in the last shot of the beat, just after Deborah’s face turns and looks toward the camera, flashing red for one desperate second before going fuzzy and indistinct, like a drunken exhale. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 3 June 2025 Also, look for imperfections in them, such as distorted hands or feet, unrealistic facial features, indistinct or irregular faces, unrealistic accessories such as glasses or jewelry, inaccurate shadows, watermarks, voice call lag time, voice matching, and unnatural movements. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 19 May 2025 Look for subtle imperfections in images and videos, such as distorted hands or feet, unrealistic facial features, indistinct or irregular faces, unrealistic accessories such as glasses or jewelry, inaccurate shadows, watermarks, voice call lag time, voice matching, and unnatural movements. ArsTechnica, 15 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indistinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indistinct. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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
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