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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
His late-night attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook—citing obscure allegations of mortgage fraud—has now forced the courts into uncharted territory, testing whether a president can legally purge central bank officials who resist him. Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025 Seeing that marmot offshoot with his twitchy little nose and beady eyes, clutched by an obscure local bureaucrat, conjures hope for the year to come. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
In the first snap, Justin could be seen making a surprised face as baby Jack partly obscured the camera with his feet in the air. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Then there’s a period where addiction is obscuring whatever that initial wound is. Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obscure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure
Adjective
  • The first three episodes currently streaming on Paramount+ reveal that the Tiva dynamic remains as ambiguous as ever.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The term has become both expansive and ambiguous.
    Lauren Buitta, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When Tony's security company faces an attack from unknown malicious forces, the family goes on the run across Europe while figuring out who is after them, according to Paramount.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This Earth sign can be quite the perfectionist, preferring order and discernment over anything remotely vague and careless.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Detainees can be held indefinitely without charges, often based on vague suspicion, anonymous tips, or looks alone.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This version is finished with a straight point collar, short sleeves, and concealed side pockets.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • After Demeir had gone to his room for a nap, prosecutors said Bell concealed her purse in the boy’s room, went to take a shower, according to the prosecution’s proffer.
    William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Usually, Meghan has posted photos of their children with their faces blurred out, or in poses where their face is unseen.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Ratti’s brand of optimism has always blurred the line between big data and surveillance, and, as a robotics pioneer, he’s also long gravitated toward the post-human, the dream of a world made and managed by machines.
    Kate Wagner, Curbed, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These fish, known for their cryptic behavior, were identified as a neonative species, expanding their range naturally.
    Real-Time News team, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Ars reached out to Google for an explanation, receiving a cryptic and somewhat unsatisfying reply.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Gray tones, blacks, murky greens, and of course, the midnight blue complete the look.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
  • But after that, things get murky.
    Sarah Hutter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Applebee’s recently managed its first quarter of same-store sales growth after eight consecutive declines, a faint improvement, but one that pales in comparison to the surge at Chili’s or the steady gains at Olive Garden.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This leads to signals that are often faint, easily drowned out by background noise, and difficult to isolate in complex biological environments such as blood or tissue.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obscure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscure. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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