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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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

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
Order up that obscure book from the library to see what was written on a single page. —Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026 That 300-work show built on Walter Hopps’s legendary exhibition for the Pasadena Art Museum—held in 1963, at a time when Duchamp was still relatively obscure—and solidified the artist’s place in the canon. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
TurboTax displays this text in a vertical pane on the right that doesn’t obscure the screen, and now FreeTaxUSA does, too. —Kathy Yakal, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026 What went into the decision to obscure the identities of Sam’s underage victims without outright blurring their faces? —Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 6 Apr. 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
  • Bieber has had clashes with the paparazzi, and has sent ambiguous messages over social media hinting at his sorrow.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
  • While data centers represent tangible ways in which AI is changing our lives, the more abstract and ambiguous fears are coming to a boil, as well.
    — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • The conditions and transport status of the other three victims are unknown.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The cases were further advanced through investigative genetic genealogy, which allowed detectives to identify possible relatives of the unknown suspect.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of unknown
Adjective
  • In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of darkened
Adjective
  • This year, the administration’s budget proposal doesn’t include a hard deadline for phasing out SLS and Orion, just the vaguer request to look for commercial alternatives.
    — Sana Pashankar, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • There’s just sort of vague purple-ish themes throughout the special.
    — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of vague
Verb
  • Corey Elliott concealed his face leaving federal court in Boston on Tuesday after he was arrested on dogfighting charges.
    — Juli McDonald, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The Army’s policy at the time of the crash mandated that its helicopters fly without that system on to conceal their locations, although the helicopter involved in this crash was on a training flight, not a sensitive mission.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Definition of conceal
Verb
  • Its Silk Serum Tinted Moisturizer Foundation is weightless and blurring, according to an editor.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
  • In addition to breaking news reports, these channels often broadcast shows devoted to commentary, especially regarding politics, as well as longer specials or documentaries, some of which blur the lines between entertainment or advocacy and journalism.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026
Definition of blur
Adjective
  • Simultaneously, the solo careers of fellow Pornographers Neko Case and Dan Bejar had begun to take flight—Case as maybe the greatest country torch singer of her generation, and Bejar in his cryptic Leonard Cohen-adjacent auteur mode as Destroyer.
    — Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
  • There’s a mysterious new leader of EON (ExtraOrdinary Observation and Neutralization), according to a cryptic summary.
    — Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of cryptic
Adjective
  • Musk has indicated the company may look to boost fleet sales to commercial customers in response to questions about Cybertruck’s murky prospects.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • An opportunity or offer could look exciting at first glance, but the details could be murky.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 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 18 Apr. 2026.

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