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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
Those efforts have included apprehending foreign students en masse, most of whom are Muslim, citing an obscure provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to justify their detainment. Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 25 June 2025 Ironheart was ordered at a time when Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige and company were trying to churn out as much content as possible, no matter how obscure the hero. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025
Verb
The actor filmed several scenes at the end of Season 2 that made the plot point more explicit, but ultimately cutting those beats and obscuring Ben’s guilt made the story stronger. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 June 2025 The newsrooms found that no two counties handle decision-making the same way, but Maricopa County is an outlier for obscuring nearly every aspect of its committee’s work. Nicole Santa Cruz, ProPublica, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for obscure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure
Adjective
  • The inconsistency of the geographical settings goes hand in hand with the how their American protagonists are depicted as inept operators whose heroism is ambiguous Soon after his arrival in Saigon, Andrews mistakes an advertisement for a dubious massage parlor as a clue from a local contact.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
  • That’s negativity bias in action—the cognitive reflex to prioritize potential threats over neutral or positive cues, especially when the situation is ambiguous.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The criticism of Lamont increased after a previously unknown liberal named Zohran Mamdani won an upset victory over Cuomo, giving liberals their biggest win of the year at a time when the Democratic Party has been reeling nationwide by the presidency of Donald J. Trump.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
  • The actual cost of the wedding is unknown, but Venice regional governor Luca Zaia originally estimated the cost between 20 million-30 million euros, or $23 million-$34 million, in a June 24 Reuters article.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Brooks said Act 372 was vague and imposed problems on librarians and bookstore owners trying to avoid prosecution.
    Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025
  • All of these legal tests, however, are quite vague.
    Ian Millhiser, Vox, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Many of the individuals, including some concealing their faces with masks and hoods, appeared to be filming the cruiser with cell phones.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2025
  • Kate goes to extreme measures to conceal her daughter’s crime, preparing her with an ironclad alibi and dumping the dead body into a nearby lake.
    Francesca Gariano, People.com, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Part of that brand was to label it a ‘spirit,’ blurring the psychological lines between an alcoholic beverage and a THC one.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • At a sunny oceanfront venue, the line between a vacation-ready, potentially too-casual sundress and appropriate wedding-guest attire blurs.
    Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The cryptic introduction is a subtle nod to the bartenders that the patron is about to order one of four drinks from the Burning Blade secret menu.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 25 June 2025
  • The moment helped confirm a romance that had been rumored for several months following several cryptic Instagram posts.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The highlighting reticles for discoverables are thankfully forgiving — ideal for the murky depths that would otherwise hide them.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The questions, though, are a bit different this offseason, as Toronto’s optimal path forward is pretty murky, and any mistakes management makes in the next few weeks will only compound their issues.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Use your mobile phone to scan the skies, as the camera is great at picking up faint auroras before your eyes spot them.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 June 2025
  • The headband usually has to be readjusted ahead of the next wear, as the sound can be faint if the headphones are not perfectly positioned over the ears.
    Rebecca Taylor, Outside Online, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obscure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscure. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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