Synonyms of obfuscate

obfuscate

verb

ˈäb-fə-ˌskāt 

as in to confuse

to make (something) unclear to the understanding

irrelevant matters that only serve to obfuscate the fundamental issue of guilt or innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confuse
• complicate
• blur
• disrupt
• becloud
• muddy
• cloud
• fog
• befog
• perplex
• upset
• snarl
• muddle
• entangle
• scramble
• tangle
• disarrange
• disarray
• shuffle
• disturb
• mix (up)
• sophisticate
• disorder
• jumble
• discompose
• tousle
• dishevel
• mess (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• clarify
• simplify
• illuminate
• clear (up)
• streamline
• unravel
• analyze
• disentangle
• undo
• straighten (out)
• decipher
• decode
• untangle
• break down
• unscramble

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of obfuscate

The lawsuit expanded on that, accusing the village of obfuscating the nature of the development during the earlier stages of approvals. — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

The revelation is the latest example of how engaging the technology — and obfuscating such use — can roil audiences eager to support new films. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

The situation has sparked backlash from lawmakers, who say the administration is obfuscating the casualty count and is trying to skirt the 60-day limit on military action without congressional authorization by rebranding the war. — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 24 July 2026

In theory, the matchmaker GM brokering a three-team trade could try to play both sides and obfuscate who’s getting what in the trade. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 23 July 2026

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