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obscurantism

noun ob·scu·ran·tism \ äb-ˈskyu̇r-ən-ˌti-zəm , əb- ; ˌäb-skyu̇-ˈran- \
Updated on: 3 Apr 2018
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Definition of obscurantism

1 : opposition to the spread of knowledge : a policy of withholding knowledge from the general public
2 a : a style (as in literature or art) characterized by deliberate vagueness or abstruseness
b : an act or instance of obscurantism
—

obscurantist

play \äb-ˈskyu̇r-ən-tist, əb-; ˌäb-skyu̇-ˈran-tist\ noun or adjective

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Recent Examples of obscurantism from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obscurantism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of obscurantism

1834

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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OBSCURANTISM Defined for English Language Learners

obscurantism

noun

Definition of obscurantism for English Language Learners

  • : the practice of keeping knowledge or understanding about something from people : the policy of not letting people know something

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