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View synonyms for indefinite

indefinite

[ in-def-uh-nit ]

adjective

  1. not definite; without fixed or specified limit; unlimited:

    an indefinite number.

    Synonyms: unspecified, indeterminate

    Antonyms: determinate

  2. not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact:

    an indefinite boundary; an indefinite date in the future.

    Synonyms: uncertain, vague, confusing, indistinct, inexact, imprecise

    Antonyms: specific, clear, determinate

  3. Grammar.
  4. Botany.
    1. very numerous or not easily counted, as stamens.
    2. (of an inflorescence) indeterminate.


indefinite

/ ɪnˈdɛfɪnɪt /

adjective

  1. not certain or determined; unsettled
  2. without exact limits; indeterminate

    an indefinite number

  3. vague, evasive, or unclear
  4. Alsoindeterminate botany
    1. too numerous to count

      indefinite stamens

    2. capable of continued growth at the tip of the stem, which does not terminate in a flower

      an indefinite inflorescence



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Derived Forms

  • inˈdefiniteness, noun

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Other Words From

  • in·defi·nite·ly adverb
  • in·defi·nite·ness noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of indefinite1

From the Latin word indēfīnītus, dating back to 1520–30. See in- 3, definite

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Example Sentences

First off, the EU’s borders are indefinite—indeed, are subject to revision as states enter or go.

The attack, at Honolua Bay on the island of Maui, caused the indefinite postponement of a World Surf League event that was being staged there.

For many of them, something more long-term is essential to seeing their businesses through the indefinite period of time the pandemic will affect them.

From Fortune

The continued and indefinite loss of foreign tourists because of coronavirus travel restrictions has dented Vietnam’s economic recovery.

From Fortune

At the confirmation hearing, all three expressed serious reservations about that change, which is on indefinite hold, although they did not explicitly rule it out.

And it is only a temporary (though indefinite) order, requesting a response from the ACLU.

But that these calls are now on hold for the indefinite future, due to their lack of progress and frustration on both sides.

During the trip, McCain shared his insights with Feinstein and McDonough about the true nature of indefinite detention.

Now we are told U.S. troops will remain for an indefinite time helping to train Afghan forces.

But many of the Brotherhood leaders have been placed on an indefinite travel ban.

If the context makes an otherwise indefinite thing definite, it is sufficient.

In many cases an agency is created for an indefinite period, and in these either party can terminate it whenever he desires.

They could always make room for her, difficult as it may appear; she held for them an indefinite store of fascination.

Youth recognized youth, and that indefinite longing which is a part of youth seemed to enfold them for an instant.

It was far less a question of reforming a Church than of winning indefinite liberty for man—which is the death of power.

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