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
Once again, shared appreciation of obscurity is the great unifier.
—
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026
Mike, who has been half-pining for Daisy in obscurity this whole time, tries to kiss her.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2026
Since then, Elizabeth has been as important to Copeland’s professional life as his personal life, co-founding a children’s theater school with him, arranging his music, and supporting him as he was launched from obscurity.
—Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
Some have been completely worn down with obscurity over time; others appear to be washed and adorned with fresh flowers on a weekly basis.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026
Mike, who has been half-pining for Daisy in obscurity this whole time, tries to kiss her.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2026
Since then, Elizabeth has been as important to Copeland’s professional life as his personal life, co-founding a children’s theater school with him, arranging his music, and supporting him as he was launched from obscurity.
—Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026
Some have been completely worn down with obscurity over time; others appear to be washed and adorned with fresh flowers on a weekly basis.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
-
The text is not without ambiguity.—
Cass Sunstein,
Big Think,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The magic act of Okri’s writing is his ability to maintain ambiguity while always keeping his language limpid and direct.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
All of this culminates in a stunning sequence set in a rundown hospital, where the majority of the ensemble returns, and is forced into further moral dilemmas under the threat of oblivion, in a race-against-the-clock finale shot in enrapturing long takes.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The phrase, part of one of Banks’s most famous ‘Ty-rade’s against contestant Tiffany Richardson in Cycle 4, has been memed into oblivion.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That intrigue and mysteriousness still rest in the canyon walls today.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Months of silence from federal office One new piece of legislation is aimed at helping families like Sutton’s.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Their silence during the anthem before an opening loss to South Korea last Monday was viewed by some as an act of resistance and others as a show of mourning.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The person requested anonymity because the trade and extension will not become official until Wednesday when the NFL’s new league year begins.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The second player, who requested anonymity, worked with Font de Mora early in her career.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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