Murky

/ˈmɜː(ɹ)ki/ · adjective

Meaning

Hard to see through, as a fog or mist..

Definitions by Sense

1. Hard to see through, as a fog or mist.
2. Dark, dim, gloomy.
3. Cloudy, indistinct, obscure.
4. (by extension) Dishonest, shady.

Example Sentences

The Streets of London, to be beheld in the very height of their glory, should be seen on a dark, dull, murky, winter's night, when there is just enough damp gently stealing down to make the pavement greasy without cleansing it of any of its impurities, […]

Ferdinand: As I hope / For quite dayes, faire Iſſue, and long life, / With ſuch loue, as 'tis now the murkieſt den, / The moſt opportune place, the ſtrongſt ſuggeſtion, / Our worſer Genius can, shall neuer melt / Mine honor into luſt,[…]

The future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program got murkier Tuesday when the Texas attorney general made good on a threat to challenge it in court.

murky waters

murky territory

He became for a short time delirious, in consequence of attempting to comprehend the works of Mr. Nebulous, in which the English language is exhibited casting of summersets, with many prancings to and fro, before earnest-gazing, head-scratching readers, in murkiest obscuration, marvel stricken, with maddest humour and grinning contortions, heels-over-head, wondrous!

Offshore investment is among the murkiest sectors of the financial world. That’s by design – keeping money offshore can help shield money from tax authorities, obscure its origin and conceal the genuine owners.

They may face an impenetrable word, approach its murky history from every direction, and fail to find a convincing solution (or even any solution: “origin unknow,” “the rest is unclear,” and the like).

Synonyms for murky

Antonyms for murky

Related Words

Word Forms

• murkier
• murkiest
• mirky

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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