1
: not well-known : not known to most people
obscure books/titles
a little antique shop in an obscure [=out-of-the-way] corner of the city
2
a
: difficult to understand : likely to be understood by only a few people
The movie is full of obscure references that only pop culture enthusiasts will understand.
b
: difficult or impossible to know completely and with certainty
The origins of the language are obscure.
obscures; obscured; obscuring
1
: to make (something) difficult to understand or know : to make (something) obscure
The true history has been obscured by legends about what happened.
They accused the company of trying to obscure the fact that the product poses a health risk.
2
: to hide or cover (something) : to be in front of (something) so that it cannot be seen
Low clouds obscured the mountains. = The mountains were obscured by low clouds.
Her view of the game was obscured [=blocked] by a post.
Cite this Entry
“Obscure.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/obscure. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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