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
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
Cory Monteith had made headway in bit parts and supporting roles when Ryan Murphy plucked him from near obscurity to portray Finn Hudson, the high school quarterback with a softer side and a killer set of pipes.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Last season, the group was headlined by Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who rose from relative obscurity at Division II Ferris State to lead the Rebels to within a win of the national championship game.
—Manny Navarro, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
For every artist who becomes enduringly famous, there are hundreds more who fall into obscurity.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Marc Ballon, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Cory Monteith had made headway in bit parts and supporting roles when Ryan Murphy plucked him from near obscurity to portray Finn Hudson, the high school quarterback with a softer side and a killer set of pipes.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Last season, the group was headlined by Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who rose from relative obscurity at Division II Ferris State to lead the Rebels to within a win of the national championship game.
—Manny Navarro, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
For every artist who becomes enduringly famous, there are hundreds more who fall into obscurity.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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What’s hardest to shake, though, is the ambiguity with which The Dark Wizard approaches the idea of cruelty as a key to success.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
-
There was, however, no ambiguity at the Russia Pavilion.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
6 May 2026
Noun
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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
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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 12 May. 2026.
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