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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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
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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
This poetic gem is a journey from the weight of absence to the serenity of presence, thanks in no small part to the inquisitive, gifted woman pulled from obscurity: Sheila Turner-Seed, whose life was short but full and worth revitalizing.
—
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Without these, even the most advanced models may languish in obscurity.
—Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Hometown beauty queen Barbara Parker is plucked from obscurity and rebranded as Sophie Straw, the star of the BBC’s latest hit comedy.
—Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025
At the same time, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who rose from obscurity to become a national political leader, has veteran New York U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer concerned.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Without these, even the most advanced models may languish in obscurity.
—Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Hometown beauty queen Barbara Parker is plucked from obscurity and rebranded as Sophie Straw, the star of the BBC’s latest hit comedy.
—Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025
At the same time, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who rose from obscurity to become a national political leader, has veteran New York U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer concerned.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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This framework not only aligns closely with other critical global standards but also underscores the need for professionals who are uniquely trained to navigate ambiguity, challenge assumptions and design with empathy.—
Guy Diedrich,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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A number of analysts argue that the latest NATO defense spending targets contain ambiguities that may skirt core commitments.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Cardholders report that rewards are devalued, denied, disappeared, or fine-printed to oblivion, their actual redemption details dramatically different from their marketing materials.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
24 July 2025
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Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony Crystal Cruises was bankrupt and facing oblivion when it was rescued by luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent, which bought the 602-passenger Crystal Symphony (and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity) and relaunched the brand.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
3 July 2025
Noun
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But what happens when their silence becomes the red flag?—
Laurie Shakur,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Since then, conservative groups have sought to ban the use of ballot drop boxes, citing the law's silence on their use.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The two families will share the roughly 2% of the team as part of the agreement, said the people, who were granted anonymity because the details are not public.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Three sources within the fire department with knowledge of the incident who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The Star that the training event was not authorized.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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