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

We have been taught that such a system is too complex to dismantle, but it has been made complex to obfuscate the most obvious fact imaginable, which is that there is no justification, ever, for denying a sick person care. — Elizabeth Nicholas, Vanity Fair, 9 Sep. 2026

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 24, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026

For around five years, Rodriguez and Perez allegedly obfuscated the various thefts as miscellaneous business expenses. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

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