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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
And an otherwise obscure state representative named Dan Morales was elected attorney general. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 The woman beside me waved her arms from side to side and sang every lyric to the most obscure songs in the set. Courtney Devores, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2025
Verb
The relative ease of travel to the South Rim after World War II obscured the fact that the first American period of settlement and development was heavily weighted toward the north side. Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025 That risk was obscured, Berginnis noted, because like two-thirds of similar waterways around the country, its floodways have never been mapped. Saul Elbein, The Hill, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for obscure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure
Adjective
  • The new legal landscape places greater responsibility on Congress to write less ambiguous statutes that more clearly recognize the different considerations—legal, scientific and policy—that go into writing effective rules.
    Susan E. Dudley, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The book leaves off on a more ambiguous note, as Eleanor explains that she and Jamie weren't meant to be together.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The extent of his wounds was unknown, and officers were working to identify a suspect.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The extent of the injuries for the other victim is unknown.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The law is vague and broad and included no room for considering the literary merit of the work, and so the result was a wave of book bans across the state.
    Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • My ideas around him were vague and uninformed, mostly of the stiff host tolerating the younger acts.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Beyond medical interventions, many people with FFA use makeup and prosthetic hair pieces to conceal sparse and scarred parts.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The trust premium that sustainability generates comes from transparency, not virtue concealed in spreadsheets.
    Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Even a slight shake from pressing the shutter can blur your moon shot, especially with slower shutter speeds in low light.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • In some respects, the line between Ray and Henry has been blurred as a result of the relationships the actor formed with his castmates, beginning with Mulgrew.
    Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But the anticipation — and online speculation — spiked on Monday, after the star released a series of cryptic social media posts.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Both the New Heights podcast and Taylor Nation hinted at the announcement with cryptic social media posts on Monday morning, sending fans into an investigative frenzy.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Earth features similarly murky visuals and fearsome monsters, many original to the show.
    Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2025
  • As with many of the trade deals Trump has announced, many of the particulars with the EU-U.S. agreement remain quite murky.
    Saige Miller, NPR, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There have been studies done that show some randomness to red-zone success — or that year-to-year correlation is pretty faint.
    Sam McDowell August 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Monday's haze, while less dramatic, still obscured visibility and left a faint scent of smoke lingering in the air.
    Hannah Parry Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obscure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscure. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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