Vague

/veɪɡ/ · adjective

Meaning

Not clearly expressed; stated in indefinite terms..

Definitions by Sense

1. Not clearly expressed; stated in indefinite terms.
2. Not having a precise meaning.
3. Not clearly defined, grasped, or understood; indistinct; slight.
4. Not clearly felt or sensed; somewhat subconscious.
5. Not thinking or expressing one’s thoughts clearly or precisely.
6. Lacking expression; vacant.
7. Not sharply outlined; hazy.
8. Wandering; vagrant; vagabond.

Example Sentences

It follows from what has been said that a vague thought has more likelihood of being true than a precise one. To try and hit an object with a vague thought is like trying to hit the bull's eye with a lump of putty: when the putty reaches the target, it flattens out all over it, and probably covers the bull's eye along with the rest. To try and hit an object with a precise thought is like trying to hit the bull's eye with a bullet. The advantage of the precise thought is that it distinguishes between the bull's eye and the rest of the target.

Throughout the first week of his presidency, Dulles and Bissell continued to brief Kennedy on their strategy for Cuba, but the men were vague and their meetings offered little in the way of hard facts.

a vague term of abuse

only a vague notion of what’s needed

a vague hint of a thickening waistline

I haven’t the vaguest idea.

a vague longing

⁠For though my nature rarely yields ⁠To that vague fear implied in death; ⁠Nor shudders at the gulfs beneath, The howlings from forgotten fields; […]

Synonyms for vague

Antonyms for vague

Related Words

Word Forms

• vaguer
• vaguest
• vagues
• vaguing
• vagued

Usage Notes

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

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