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
Chambliss routinely produced explosive, clutch plays, overcoming his less-than-ideal size (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) and emerging from a relative obscurity in ways that captured fans' imagination.
—
ABC News, 12 May 2026
Scout have marveled at Wagler’s rise from obscurity to top-10 pick with All-Star upside.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026
The list, last compiled in 2021, draws attention to historic buildings that face the risk of demolition or falling into obscurity.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
ABC News, 12 May 2026
Scout have marveled at Wagler’s rise from obscurity to top-10 pick with All-Star upside.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026
The list, last compiled in 2021, draws attention to historic buildings that face the risk of demolition or falling into obscurity.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026
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
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
-
And disappearance, in the end, is just another form of silence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
As in Kourliandski’s quartet, specks and splatters of sound are interspersed with silences.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.—
Will Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
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Sources with knowledge of the process before, during and after Calvert-Lewin’s summer arrival at Leeds have spoken to The Athletic — on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships — about the move.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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