Murky: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used to describe something that's dark, dirty, or not clear, like water or an environment. Often has a negative connotation.

• The pond was so murky that we couldn't see the fish.
• The details of the plan remain murky.

Describes something covered by or resembling clouds, often talking about the sky or weather, but can also mean unclear or confused.

• Today is a cloudy day; we might get some rain.
• Her explanation was cloudy and hard to follow.

Describes something covered or filled with mist, giving it a soft, wet, and blurry appearance. Common in describing weather.

• The morning was misty, with dew on the grass.
• We drove through the misty countryside.

Used for situations where visibility is reduced due to light mist, smoke, or particles in the air. Can also imply something is vague or not clear in terms of understanding.

• The mountains looked hazy in the distance.
• I have a hazy memory of my early childhood.

Primarily used to describe a sky that's completely covered with clouds, indicating a dull or gloomy weather.

• The sky was overcast, and it looked like it might rain.
• It was an overcast afternoon, perfect for reading indoors.

Best used to describe situations or objects that are dark, unclear, or difficult to see through, often giving a sense of mystery or unease.

• The water in the pond was murky, making it hard to see any fish.
• The details of the company's finances remained murky and suspicious.

Used to describe something covered with or full of mud. It can also describe unclear or confusing situations. Often has a negative connotation.

• After the heavy rain, the path became muddy and difficult to walk on.
• His arguments were muddy, with no clear points or evidence.

Generally used to describe liquids that are cloudy and filled with suspended particles, leading to a state of cloudiness or impurity. Often has a technical or scientific tone.

• The river water became turbid after the storm due to the sediment being stirred up.
• The laboratory found the sample to be turbid, indicating contamination.

Describes something that is not transparent or translucent; it does not allow light to pass through. Often used in both literal and abstract senses.

• The bathroom windows are made of opaque glass for privacy.
• The legal text was so opaque that no one could easily understand it.

Typically used to describe something that is filled with or covered by clouds, not transparent or clear. Often used in a neutral or slightly negative sense.

• The sky was cloudy, suggesting it might rain later.
• After waking from the anesthesia, her mind felt cloudy.

Describes something that is dark and difficult to see through or understand, often with a negative connotation.

• The water was so murky that we couldn't see the bottom.
• His motives for doing this remain murky.

Used when something can be understood in more than one way and the meaning is unclear.

• The instructions were ambiguous and caused a lot of confusion.
• Her answer was ambiguous and left us all wondering what she meant.

Describes something that causes someone to be unable to think clearly or understand.

• The new software update is very confusing.
• His explanation of the rules was rather confusing.

Refers to something that is not well known or hard to understand, often used when information is hidden or not clear.

• The origins of this tradition are obscure.
• The text was written in an obscure language that few people can read.

Used when something is not known, definite, or fixed, indicating a lack of assurance or predictability.

• The future of the company is uncertain.
• She felt uncertain about the decision.