obscure 1 of 2

adjective

äb-ˈskyu̇r How to pronounce obscure (audio)
Definition of obscurenext
1
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning a fantasy writer who likes to put lots of obscure references and images in her tales of wizards and warlocks

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2
as in unknown
not widely known he's an obscure artist now, but he's sure to be famous someday

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3
as in darkened
being without light or without much light hid in an obscure spot among the trees

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4
as in vague
not seen or understood clearly a distinction so obscure that only the experts can really see it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

obscure

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to conceal
to keep secret or shut off from view the investigative reporters obscured their real motives for visiting the company by pretending the story was about something else

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2
as in to blur
to make dark, dim, or indistinct when it isn't obscured by smog, the view of the city from the observatory can be spectacular

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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
Parsons’ rise to mainstream creative stardom, built out of internet virality and obscure message-board subculture, represents a new path for aspiring filmmakers—one that doesn’t necessarily require submitting to traditional film festivals. — Rachel Brodsky, Time, 14 July 2026 The once-obscure horror film has found a much wider audience in recent years thanks to streaming. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026
Verb
The young ones' faces are obscured throughout the images, as the Sussexes maintain their children's privacy. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 24 July 2026 But Hegseth’s push for $67 billion more in emergency Iran spending — while the Pentagon directs $75 billion from last year’s tax cuts law to other military spending — may be obscuring a war cost that is far greater. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obscure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure
  1. ambiguous
  2. unknown
  3. darkened
  4. vague
  5. conceal
  6. blur
  7. cryptic
  8. murky
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, who qualifies for the Robinhood Platinum Card is a little ambiguous.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • Many leaders in the late 18th century already considered privateering a morally ambiguous practice, according to Michael Crawford, a former senior historian at the Naval History and Heritage Command.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • The lab got its start with studies of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the 1900s, when ranchers and cattle were dying from the then-unknown disease.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The previously unknown visit, revealed to the Washington Examiner by a source familiar with the matter, appears to be his first since leaving power in April.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 July 2026
Definition of unknown
Adjective
  • This trend has been pretty pervasive among designer bags recently, with shoppers buying new Prada and Chanel bags with darkened leather to give them a used look, or sourcing vintage Celine bags with obvious signs of wear.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • She’s talked up her push to convert darkened streetlights, many of them stripped of their copper wire, to solar power.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Definition of darkened
Adjective
  • But the recall list was vague, not providing consumers with information on where the lettuce was sold or how consumers could avoid it.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
  • Recently, the Montgomery County, Maryland, school district made local headlines after officials required administrators to review student newspapers prior to publication and outright censor certain reports based on vague standards.
    — Annabelle Garland, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
Definition of vague
Verb
  • Familiar-looking exposures can conceal the fact that every asset in the portfolio is quietly leaning on the same assumption.
    — Andrew Sukhin, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Indoor planters and popcorn ceilings are often concealing water damage and structural issues.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 21 July 2026
Definition of conceal
Verb
  • Olsen first teased his relationship with Dockerty in October, soft-launching his new beau by blurring out his face in photos on social media.
    — Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
  • Both kinds of misconduct blur the line between a victim and perpetrator, experts in child protection said.
    — Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 20 July 2026
Definition of blur
Adjective
  • At first, these data would be cryptic—who besides the biggest air-pollution nerd would know the difference between 35 μg/m3 of particulate matter (yellow-level risk, per the AQI) and 60 μg/m3 (red-level risk)?
    — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
  • As Miami gained steam in the LeBron market behind Pat Riley’s cryptic public optimism, the Heat and Cavaliers continually flip-flopped as the DraftKings favorite to land LeBron during the week leading up to James’ eventual decision.
    — Scott Phillips, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • But the ethical waters are murky, and any such project should have high levels of public transparency and accountability, said Lisa Moses, a veterinarian and bioethicist at Harvard Medical School.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Now, though, that rather murky picture is growing a bit clearer.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of murky

Browse Nearby Words

obscurant
obscure
obscured
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Cite this Entry

“Obscure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscure. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on obscure

Nglish: Translation of obscure for Spanish Speakers

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