adv ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Adverb

1. 1
   In a manner like that of a cloud or haze.

   "The vapour drifted nebulously into the hall."

2. 2
   As if viewed through a cloud or haze.
3. 3
   Vaguely, without clear purpose or specific intention.

   "He waved his hand nebulously in the direction he intended to go."

Adverb

1. 1
   in a nebulous and indefinite manner wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

vaguely

Example

More examples

"The vapour drifted nebulously into the hall."

Etymology

From nebulous + -ly.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.