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
The reasoning — defensive-minded head coach, pounce on an ascending quarterback and build through draft — offer the Miami Dolphins a pathway out of obscurity.
—
Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Fox was struck that such an important work by a major artist could be languishing in literal obscurity.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
As these babies were unbaptized, their cemeteries often sank into obscurity, and integrating folklore into heritage protection is vital.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026
And as usual at the New Beverly, there are some must-see obscurities programmed alongside the more famous films.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Fox was struck that such an important work by a major artist could be languishing in literal obscurity.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
As these babies were unbaptized, their cemeteries often sank into obscurity, and integrating folklore into heritage protection is vital.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026
And as usual at the New Beverly, there are some must-see obscurities programmed alongside the more famous films.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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Whether facing emotional burnout, therapy culture fatigue, or dating uncertainty, the return of symbolic meaning can help to avoid relationship ambiguity.—
Felysha Walker,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Like many recent theater school grads, Dela Cruz was still trying to find his niche as a performer, oscillating between the pursuits of ethnic ambiguity — a casting asset — and cultural identity.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Conservatives, staring at electoral oblivion, hastily followed suit, pledging to repeal the Climate Change Act.—
Bjorn Lomborg,
Boston Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
-
My love, there is no oblivion, no dream.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That intrigue and mysteriousness still rest in the canyon walls today.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Leonard’s silence, a cornerstone of the seven-time All-Star’s personality, is part of what makes the 34-year-old Moreno Valley product a compelling figure in the NBA.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
16 Feb. 2026
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Upscale wellness resorts advertised the idea that a guest could come and experience meditation and spiritual healing without having to sleep on a floor, abstain from alcohol, or take a vow of silence.—
Lilit Marcus,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The guards’ anonymity unleashed aggression in them.—
William Robiner,
Twin Cities,
15 Feb. 2026
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According to a source familiar, who spoke with Fortune on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal company dynamics, Perlman plans to transition out of the company later this year.—
Leo Schwartz,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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