1
as in ambiguity
the quality or state of having a veiled or uncertain meaning
the 16th-century astrologer's predictions are so filled with obscurity that people can interpret them any way they want
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in oblivion
the quality or state of being mostly or completely unknown
the singer languished in relative obscurity for years before becoming famous
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in mysteriousness
the quality or state of being impossible to know, understand, or explain
her novels were favored by gullible critics who confuse obscurity with profundity
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obscurity
However, further excavation did not take place, and the ancient villa faded into obscurity.
—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
14 June 2026
Henry, the principal owner, has made Kennedy the team spokesman and Kennedy said he’s not focused on his own job security as the organization flounders into obscurity.
—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The rise of Santa Muerte The other folk saint tied to narco culture is Santa Muerte, whose Grim Reaper appearance and relative obscurity prompt assumptions of malevolence.
—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Unlike so many iconic American fights, held in the halls of Congress or on the streets of major cities, this campaign is being waged for the most part in obscurity.
—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
14 June 2026
Henry, the principal owner, has made Kennedy the team spokesman and Kennedy said he’s not focused on his own job security as the organization flounders into obscurity.
—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The rise of Santa Muerte The other folk saint tied to narco culture is Santa Muerte, whose Grim Reaper appearance and relative obscurity prompt assumptions of malevolence.
—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Unlike so many iconic American fights, held in the halls of Congress or on the streets of major cities, this campaign is being waged for the most part in obscurity.
—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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To remove the ambiguity and resulting food waste, Assembly Bill 660 was signed into law and goes into effect July 1, which ultimately will reduce the phrases allowed on packages to just two.
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Implications for Michigan's anti-terrorism law The Hopkinson case highlighted ambiguity in Michigan's anti-terrorism law.
Noun
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Within a few decades, the towns and their landmarks slid into oblivion, sometimes abandoned or, at best, struggling along.
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In the last episode, there’s a phone call with Frederick’s mother, who’s either in total denial or oblivion toward the situation.
Noun
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That intrigue and mysteriousness still rest in the canyon walls today.
Noun
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Michaels adamantly submits that the answer is not submission in silence but a strong determination to fight for a party that once stood for America’s vision of liberty and justice for all, regardless of race or religion.
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Although additional human research is needed, these findings suggest silence may actively support long-term brain health.
Noun
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The official requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.
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The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly.
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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