Entry Word: obscure

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 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>

Synonyms ambiguous, cryptic, dark, darkling, deep, enigmatic (also enigmatical), equivocal, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, occult

Related Words abstruse, esoteric, recondite; bleary, cloudy, dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indefinite, indistinct, indistinguishable, shadowy, unclear, uncertain, undefined, undetermined, vague; impenetrable, incomprehensible; inexplicable; eerie, uncanny, weird; impalpable, inappreciable, intangible, invisible; unanswerable, unknowable; baffling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, mystifying, perplexing, puzzling, unfathomable; difficult, complex, complicated, obtuse

Near Antonyms comprehensible, fathomable, intelligible, knowable, understandable; bright, distinct, evident; certain, firm, strong, sure; defined, determined; direct, straightforward; definite, exact, explicit; appreciable, palpable, tangible, visible; blatant, patent, unmistakable

Antonyms clear, obvious, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal

2 not widely known <he's an obscure artist now, but he's sure to be famous someday>

Synonyms anonymous, nameless, uncelebrated, unknown, unnoted, unsung

Related Words insignificant, minor, unimportant; undistinguished, unexceptional; unpopular; faceless

Near Antonyms fabled, fabulous, legendary; infamous; distinguished, eminent, exceptional, great, illustrious, leading, notable, outstanding, prestigious, remarkable; important, significant; favorite, popular, preferred; estimable, honorable, reputable, respectable; influential, major

Antonyms celebrated, famed, famous, noted, notorious, prominent, renowned, well-known

3 being without light or without much light <hid in an obscure spot among the trees> — see dark 1
4 not seen or understood clearly <a distinction so obscure that only the experts can really see it> — see faint 1