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
Perhaps owing to the obscurity of the ACM, its potential fate received less attention than the broadsides delivered against the NMAAHC.
—
Camille Borders, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
Crossed spears of sunlight fall into it but only so far, and beneath their yellow illuminations Brith can see depths and more depths of water, darkening to obscurity.
—Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
In the age of social media, casting directors still have managed to find industry newcomers with relative digital obscurity and turn them into bona fide stars overnight.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2026
Rousouli still delights in the obscurity of certain jokes, including the show's opening museum framing device, which was inspired by Elton John and Tim Rice's 2000 musical Aida.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Camille Borders, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026
Crossed spears of sunlight fall into it but only so far, and beneath their yellow illuminations Brith can see depths and more depths of water, darkening to obscurity.
—Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
In the age of social media, casting directors still have managed to find industry newcomers with relative digital obscurity and turn them into bona fide stars overnight.
—Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2026
Rousouli still delights in the obscurity of certain jokes, including the show's opening museum framing device, which was inspired by Elton John and Tim Rice's 2000 musical Aida.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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While all three negatively impact both individual and organizational outcomes, researchers found that role ambiguity tended to be the most detrimental driver.—
Paula Davis,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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At the same time, each phase of progress has also revealed the ambiguity of tools that can cause harm when not oriented toward the good.—
Pope Leo XIV,
Boston Herald,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Converting that surplus draft capital into a meaningful haul of valuable talent is an essential first step if the club is to move through the competitive oblivion of this rebuilding process on any sort of expedited or reasonable timeline.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
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Although Nilsson would likely disagree, her work affirms that all of us are drifting toward oblivion, with the best days of our lives like so much confetti in the wind.—
Jeremy Lybarger,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
That intrigue and mysteriousness still rest in the canyon walls today.—
Madison Dapcevich,
Outside,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
To the neighbors bordering the Butler Memorial Airport, the fall and crash of the tiny aircraft and the death of 12 people on Sunday all seemed to have happened in silence.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
-
The mayor’s credit card use was not wrapped in a veil of silence.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
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The workers provided documentation and spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation and to protect the ongoing investigation.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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