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
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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
The white whale may drag him into the abyss, and Melville may have gone to his grave in semi-obscurity, but neither will stay dead.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 May 2026
In addition to the Tony Scott-Denzel Washington tribute, the New Beverly’s May calendar features its usual blend of fan favorites, obscurities, exploitation gems, and family matinees.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
After releasing two alluringly atmospheric final albums, Frozen and Notes Campfire, on a tiny German label, Souled American essentially vanished by the late ’90s, their discography sliding into out-of-print obscurity.
—Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Aerosmith producer Jack Douglas rescued the group from obscurity after catching Cheap Trick’s act at a bowling alley in Waukesha, Wis.
—Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 May 2026
In addition to the Tony Scott-Denzel Washington tribute, the New Beverly’s May calendar features its usual blend of fan favorites, obscurities, exploitation gems, and family matinees.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026
After releasing two alluringly atmospheric final albums, Frozen and Notes Campfire, on a tiny German label, Souled American essentially vanished by the late ’90s, their discography sliding into out-of-print obscurity.
—Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Aerosmith producer Jack Douglas rescued the group from obscurity after catching Cheap Trick’s act at a bowling alley in Waukesha, Wis.
—Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
-
The power of its clarity or ambiguity.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
-
Part of the concern has to do with the ethical ambiguities surrounding the project.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
And every one squandered leaves a mark, takes its toll, ages you just a bit — and takes you one year closer to hockey oblivion.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
These Knicks don’t sit around and watch Jalen Brunson pound the ball into oblivion.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That intrigue and mysteriousness still rest in the canyon walls today.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Martin Short is breaking his silence on the recent death of his daughter Katherine Short.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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At first, Liza Ginette was distraught and confused at her children’s silence.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
Noun
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Kerr still must sign his new deal, the person told The Associated Press on Saturday night, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract must be finalized.—
Janie McCauley,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
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Kerr still must sign his new deal, the person told the Associated Press on Saturday night, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract must be finalized.—
Janie McCauley,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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