nebulous

neb·u·lous

adj \ˈne-byə-ləs\

Definition of NEBULOUS

1

: of, relating to, or resembling a nebula : nebular

2

: indistinct, vague

— neb·u·lous·ly adverb

— neb·u·lous·ness noun

Examples of NEBULOUS

1. These philosophical concepts can be nebulous.
2. <made nebulous references to some major changes the future may hold>

Origin of NEBULOUS

Latin nebulosus misty, from nebula

First Known Use: 1784

Related to NEBULOUS

Synonyms: ambiguous, arcane, cryptic, dark, deep, Delphic, double-edged, elliptical (or elliptic), enigmatic (also enigmatical), equivocal, fuliginous, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, obscure, occult, opaque

Antonyms: accessible, clear, nonambiguous, obvious, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal

Related Words: abstruse, esoteric, recondite; cloaked, concealed, disguised, masked, shrouded; beclouded, bedimmed, befogged, clouded, cloudy, dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indistinct, indistinguishable, misty, muddy, obfuscatory, obnubilated, obscurant (or obscurantic), shaded, shadowlike, shadowy, sphinxlike; indefinite, inexact, inexplicit, noncommittal, questionable, unclear, uncertain, undefined, undetermined, vague; impenetrable, incomprehensible, indecipherable, inexplicable; eerie (also eery), uncanny, weird; impalpable, inappreciable, intangible, invisible; unanswerable, unknowable; baffling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, mystifying, perplexing, puzzling, unfathomable; circuitous, indirect, roundabout; complex, complicated, difficult, obtuse

Near Antonyms: comprehensible, fathomable, intelligible, knowable, legible, pellucid, understandable; bright, distinct, evident, self-evident, self-explanatory; certain, firm, strong, sure; defined, determined; direct, straightforward; definite, exact, explicit; appreciable, palpable, tangible, visible; blatant, patent, unmistakable

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Other Astronomy Terms

gibbous, nadir, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, wax, zenith