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obscure 1 of 2

adjective

äb-ˈskyu̇r How to pronounce obscure (audio)
Definition of obscurenext
1
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning a fantasy writer who likes to put lots of obscure references and images in her tales of wizards and warlocks

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2
as in unknown
not widely known he's an obscure artist now, but he's sure to be famous someday

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3
as in darkened
being without light or without much light hid in an obscure spot among the trees

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4
as in vague
not seen or understood clearly a distinction so obscure that only the experts can really see it

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obscure

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to conceal
to keep secret or shut off from view the investigative reporters obscured their real motives for visiting the company by pretending the story was about something else

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2
as in to blur
to make dark, dim, or indistinct when it isn't obscured by smog, the view of the city from the observatory can be spectacular

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word obscure different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obscure are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When can ambiguous be used instead of obscure?

The meanings of ambiguous and obscure largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

In what contexts can cryptic take the place of obscure?

While the synonyms cryptic and obscure are close in meaning, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When is dark a more appropriate choice than obscure?

The words dark and obscure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

When might enigmatic be a better fit than obscure?

The words enigmatic and obscure can be used in similar contexts, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When could equivocal be used to replace obscure?

While in some cases nearly identical to obscure, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

Where would vague be a reasonable alternative to obscure?

In some situations, the words vague and obscure are roughly equivalent. However, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obscure
Adjective
Many of Trump’s early losses over legal challenges to his executive actions and agenda have to do with an obscure yet routinely invoked federal law. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025 Customers can make an appointment to browse the merchandise, including furniture, jewelry, silver, and obscure objects from around the globe, before placing their bids in the auctions, which are held exclusively online. — Frances MacDougall, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
The driver, their vision likely obscured by the add-on metal plates, didn’t notice the deep hole—a possible shell crater—in the tank’s path. — David Axe, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 The scene intentionally obscured the identity of the sinister-seeming, whistling man who picked up the tray of surgical tools from the O&D department and took it to the Exports Hall elevator. — Megan McCluskey, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obscure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure
  1. ambiguous
  2. unknown
  3. vague
  4. conceal
  5. blur
  6. cryptic
  7. murky
  8. faint
Adjective
  • Trump has not commented on the military base plan specifically but delivered an ambiguous answer this week to a question regarding the use of private companies to assist with deportations.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The film has proven divisive, though, with some audiences puzzled by its breakneck tonal shifts and ambiguous ending.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • The remaining cases are among those who are unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2025
  • At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacramento Bee, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of unknown
Adjective
  • Asking about frustrations in a broad, theoretical sense is too vague to elicit actionable insights.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The reference is vague and does not signal any specific American commitment to safeguarding Ukraine’s security.
    — Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of vague
Verb
  • Urban Outfitters’ fourth-quarter results concealed underlying challenges, with the flagship brand experiencing its eleventh consecutive quarter of negative growth.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The body of the lion lay concealed among the thick-growing needles of the pine limb.
    — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of conceal
Verb
  • This Maserati aims to blur the lines between track and street, and the scenery along with it.
    — Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
  • But this divide is fading as the lines between the two continue to blur.
    — Amit Ashkenazi, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of blur
Adjective
  • Women possessed by the gods were oracles, predicting the future in cryptic utterances.
    — Vipin Bharathan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Escher String Quartet Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road, Storrs The Escher String Quartet, named for the cryptic artist M.C. Escher, performs pieces by Ravel, Mendelssohn and Mozart on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. $39, $37 seniors, free for students and youth.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • Ivan Stupak, a former Ukrainian intelligence official, told Newsweek that while the details are still murky, the block is likely to significantly impact Ukraine's access to anti-aircraft missiles, especially interceptor missiles fired by the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system.
    — Ellie Cook, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Classic largemouth water in a river would be a murky, slow-moving bend with thick cover (think fallen trees, heavy vegetation, and boat docks).
    — Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of murky
Adjective
  • Any faint chance of heading the panel was decades away.
    — David Mark, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Mars will shrink, appearing as a faint reddish speck against the sky.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of faint

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Cite this Entry

“Obscure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscure. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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