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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obscurity
The rise of Santa Muerte The other folk saint tied to narco culture is Santa Muerte, whose Grim Reaper appearance and relative obscurity prompt assumptions of malevolence.
—
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 7 June 2026
Unlike so many iconic American fights, held in the halls of Congress or on the streets of major cities, this campaign is being waged for the most part in obscurity.
—Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
The Last Ronin has officially re-emerged from obscurity and appears to be fully back on track— with a few key differences.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
In Maine, several voters said that the oysterman plucked from obscurity didn’t pass the smell test.
—Caroline McCaughey, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 7 June 2026
Unlike so many iconic American fights, held in the halls of Congress or on the streets of major cities, this campaign is being waged for the most part in obscurity.
—Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
The Last Ronin has officially re-emerged from obscurity and appears to be fully back on track— with a few key differences.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
In Maine, several voters said that the oysterman plucked from obscurity didn’t pass the smell test.
—Caroline McCaughey, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
-
Clarity builds trust; ambiguity erodes it.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
Low Urgency Now Versus Accumulative Problems Later Still, the ambiguity creates challenges for systems increasingly asked to justify every investment through near-term financial return.—
Jeffrey Wessler,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Within a few decades, the towns and their landmarks slid into oblivion, sometimes abandoned or, at best, struggling along.—
Rebecca Treon,
Parents,
18 June 2026
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In the last episode, there’s a phone call with Frederick’s mother, who’s either in total denial or oblivion toward the situation.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
Noun
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That intrigue and mysteriousness still rest in the canyon walls today.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Michaels adamantly submits that the answer is not submission in silence but a strong determination to fight for a party that once stood for America’s vision of liberty and justice for all, regardless of race or religion.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
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Although additional human research is needed, these findings suggest silence may actively support long-term brain health.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Noun
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The official requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 June 2026
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The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak publicly.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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