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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obscure different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obscure are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When can ambiguous be used instead of obscure?

The meanings of ambiguous and obscure largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

In what contexts can cryptic take the place of obscure?

While the synonyms cryptic and obscure are close in meaning, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When is dark a more appropriate choice than obscure?

The words dark and obscure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

When might enigmatic be a better fit than obscure?

The words enigmatic and obscure can be used in similar contexts, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When could equivocal be used to replace obscure?

While in some cases nearly identical to obscure, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

Where would vague be a reasonable alternative to obscure?

In some situations, the words vague and obscure are roughly equivalent. However, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

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 obscure
Adjective
Starting from a relatively obscure blog, Yarvin has emerged as one of the most prominent critics of ... Fred Bauer, National Review, 10 May 2025 What historical and cultural circumstances lead a language down such obscure paths? Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 9 May 2025
Verb
After all these years, we are still obscured by the long shadow of Dallas. Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025 The officers were out of frame, and the man was obscured by a tree when the three officers opened fire and the man fell to the ground. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for obscure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure
Adjective
  • At first unsure, Ester allows the guy to touch her, and as a viewer the scene is ambiguous.
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • The camera flies out over the water, and neither Cecilie nor the audience gets a definitive answer, with the series coming to an ambiguous and unsettling end.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Specifics about storage, port selection, other features, and pricing information are mostly unknown.
    Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025
  • At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • This granular visibility transforms sustainability from a vague corporate initiative into precise, actionable intelligence, enabling manufacturers to make targeted improvements that collectively drive significant environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency.
    David Ly, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Therapists should be trained to help patients build grit and achieve goals, not just listen passively, offer vague reassurances, or affirm every feeling.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Then, a sliding mechanism was discreetly integrated to allow for a television and soundbar to be concealed behind the panels.
    Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • But that average conceals more-vulnerable pockets in the state: in two counties, one-quarter of children didn’t have their shots, and in eight schools, less than half did.
    Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Contemplating the issue from a more macro standpoint, AI is increasingly blurring the lines around what constitutes academic honesty.
    Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Anyone moving from a smartphone up to the EOS 2000D will be amazed by the image quality and the ability to produce shots with beautiful bokeh (background blur).
    Rowena Cockett, Space.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Neither Henry nor Devers have been willing to detail that conversation until now, as Devers finally broke his silence on the discussion with a cryptic four-word message.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
  • Still, his message ended on a cheerful note that showed the musician seems to be taking the cryptic dismissal in stride.
    Glenn Rowley, Billboard, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its origins are as murky as the exact proportions of the recipe.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 14 May 2025
  • Instead, the injury made his situation murky at best.
    Adam Jahns, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • This Week: May 19-25, 2025 As the moon continues to wane from being full last week, the night skies darken enough to find faint stars and constellations.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • It’s filled with no-nonsense retinol and has a faint medicinal smell.
    Mary Honkus, Glamour, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obscure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscure. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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