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
Hometown beauty queen Barbara Parker is plucked from obscurity and rebranded as Sophie Straw, the star of the BBC’s latest hit comedy.
—
Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025
At the same time, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who rose from obscurity to become a national political leader, has veteran New York U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer concerned.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 5 July 2025
College basketball tends to suck up all the oxygen in March — particularly in Indiana — as players previously shrouded in obscurity become household names and heartbreaking defeats unfold on hardwood.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
But in the months leading up to Tuesday’s election, Mamdani skyrocketed from obscurity to internet fame, amassing more than 1 million followers on Instagram, as well as hundreds of thousands on TikTok and X.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025
At the same time, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who rose from obscurity to become a national political leader, has veteran New York U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer concerned.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 5 July 2025
College basketball tends to suck up all the oxygen in March — particularly in Indiana — as players previously shrouded in obscurity become household names and heartbreaking defeats unfold on hardwood.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
But in the months leading up to Tuesday’s election, Mamdani skyrocketed from obscurity to internet fame, amassing more than 1 million followers on Instagram, as well as hundreds of thousands on TikTok and X.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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However, inconsistent enforcement mechanisms, ambiguities in the statutory language and other limitations have attracted the interest of reformers.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 July 2025
-
Setting boundaries is further complicated by generational shifts: Younger employees, particularly Gen Z, also favor fluid boundaries and a flat hierarchy, sometimes intensifying the ambiguity around roles and expectations.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
And the obscure poets and thinkers went flying back into oblivion.—
Peter Wortsman
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
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The Movie features Brad Pitt as a fallen Formula One star who upshifts back from career oblivion and personal wreckage to the pinnacle of racing.—
Chris Lee,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
Noun
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This growing divide between women’s needs and workplace support reflects a deeper issue: the cultural silence surrounding menopause is starting to crack—but only slowly.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
22 July 2025
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An overwhelming number of users thanked her for breaking the silence around postpartum struggles.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
Noun
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The Sun Sentinel put those questions to a long-time NBA scout, who requested anonymity because of his work with another team.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
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While a few releases establish a buzz on the festival circuit, most arrive behind a curtain of anonymity.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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