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blur 1 of 2

verb

Definition of blurnext
1
as in to confuse
to make (something) unclear to the understanding an article for the layman that blurs the distinction between the two kinds of cholesterol

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to obscure
to make dark, dim, or indistinct evening shadows blurred the view of the valley from the overlook

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blur

2 of 2

noun

as in taint

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 blur
Verb
Mercury opposes dreamy Neptune, blurring the line between genuine exhaustion and distraction. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026 The tight ends can get back to blurring the run and the pass, with Stafford at the controls and Kyren Williams and Corum wearing defenses down between the tackles. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
That blur of words equates to the sensation of biting into an August peach, closing your eyes and tasting every flavor — juicy, rosy, floral-sweet-mineral peachiness — all the way through. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 As the lines between the living and dead blur, the book shows that our worst ghosts are the wounds in our own bloodlines. — Shane Hawk, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blur
  1. confuse
  2. obscure
  3. taint
  4. muddy
  5. darken
  6. stain
  7. obfuscate
  8. dim
Verb
  • The Polo Room Not to be confused with Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar, the Polo Room takes its name from the actual sport—international polo star Nacho Figueras is a co-owner, and his Argentine heritage runs throughout the restaurant.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • There’s no complicated touchscreen to confuse older family members or young kids, either.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of confuse
Verb
  • Orwell was exploring the roles that euphemism, tangled syntax, and dying metaphors can play in obscuring the true intentions of a totalitarian state.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Last week, OpenAI began rolling out its latest model, Astra, which performs better but obscures more of its internal processes.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of obscure
Noun
  • Even though Thiam denied knowledge of it and was cleared of involvement, the taint of the scandal led to his ouster.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
  • On top of worrying about making great wine, European producers will now have to mitigate against smoke taint, save their grapes from frost, and consider how to future-proof vineyards in a rapidly changing climate.
    — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
Definition of taint
Verb
  • That came in the form of both Lawrence pushing the pocket to muddy Mayfield’s ability to step up and Mafe screaming around the edge, having blown past right tackle Luke Goedeke.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • And Treasury’s bond-market intervention might have muddied market signals, so Warsh can credibly argue for time.
    — Liz Rappaport, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of muddy
Verb
  • Some woods are very photosensitive, like cherry and walnut, but cherry darkens with sun exposure while walnut fades.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2026
  • China’s growth target is already its lowest since 1991, and the economic picture is darkened further by a real estate downturn that is straining local government finances and undercutting spending capacity, Goldman Sachs said in a note to clients.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of darken
Noun
  • The latter track takes overt inspiration from Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette, as Jepsen beckons her love to engage in life’s vices with her, like marring bedsheets with fruit stains and dashing nude through the garden.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Homeowners can check that attic and soffit vents are clear and look for signs of moisture, water stains, mold, or visible frost during winter.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of stain
Verb
  • Throughout the history of the game, as concerned parties sought evidence, some of football’s most powerful protectors obfuscated the problem.
    — Emily Harrison, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Yet our tendency to use body mass as a convenient proxy for unhealthy weight gain may obfuscate the true risks – and even benefits – of being a little bigger.
    — Mike McRae August 24, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of obfuscate
Verb
  • All of Broadway was about to dim their marquees in honor of those lost on 9/11.
    — Tom Selleck, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
  • His time away from the public glare hasn’t dimmed his superstar status in these parts.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of dim

Browse Nearby Words

blunts
blur
blurb
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Cite this Entry

“Blur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blur. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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