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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obscure different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of obscure are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When can ambiguous be used instead of obscure?

The meanings of ambiguous and obscure largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

In what contexts can cryptic take the place of obscure?

While the synonyms cryptic and obscure are close in meaning, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When is dark a more appropriate choice than obscure?

The words dark and obscure are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

When might enigmatic be a better fit than obscure?

The words enigmatic and obscure can be used in similar contexts, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When could equivocal be used to replace obscure?

While in some cases nearly identical to obscure, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

Where would vague be a reasonable alternative to obscure?

In some situations, the words vague and obscure are roughly equivalent. However, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obscure
Adjective
The Kit Vintage is a luxury, women’s vintage boutique in the heart of Los Angeles with an offering that spans from the Fendi baguette and obscure yet ornate jewelry to archival Jean Paul Gaultier sets. Shelby Ying Hyde, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025 The Office of Management and Budget sounds obscure, yet the agency plays a crucial role throughout the federal government. Bridget C.e. Dooling, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
The second slide appeared to zoom in on a blurry pic of the couple’s first child dressed in a warm winter snowsuit with a hood, with little Jack’s face obscured. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2025 But Capital One obscured the new product to prevent customers from switching, the CFPB alleged, costing consumers more than $2 billion in interest payments. Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for obscure 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure
Adjective
  • Below, Gersten opens up about her reaction to Anderson’s casting, the meaning behind the purposefully ambiguous ending, Curtis’ memorable dance number, and more.
    Mike Miller, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
  • When a statute is ambiguous, Congress has left a gap for the agency to fill.
    Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But apparently, like Highland when used in reference to the latest Model 3, this isn’t an official Tesla term, and the origin of it is unknown.
    James Morris, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The source of the leak is unknown, the Water and Sewer Operations Department said Thursday.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The designation is so broad and vague that ranches in Texas or farms in California could be swept up by the penalties if their employees send remittances to family members in Mexico who are involved in organized crime.
    Maria Abi-Habib, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Kelley Black has emphatically denied the charges cited in the school board’s 10-page report, calling them vague, false and misleading and suggesting that politics is playing a role in the board’s action.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a catastrophic stroke, a debilitating event meticulously concealed from the American public.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • But Hegseth's decision to conceal the settlement—choosing self-preservation over honesty—is disqualifying.
    Greg Kelly, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The line between satire and disinformation continues to blur on social media, where the context of a post made in jest can be misunderstood to be a factual news report.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Yet activists pushing to blur these distinctions seem to believe gender ideology trumps fairness and safety.
    Kathy Szeliga, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Both Trista and Ryan were in the news over the summer after Ryan posted cryptic messages on his Instagram account.
    Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Then, a hacker breaks in, posts a cryptic message, and triggers Wentworth's expanding investigation into a global struggle over truth and information.
    Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As with most origin stories of football clubs that are a century and a half old, the truth of how Nottingham Forest came into being is slightly murky.
    Nick Miller, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • This six-episode Netflix series is taking on the murky world of health influencer culture—and what happened when a certain real-life influencer’s brand was built on a lie.
    Charley Ross, Glamour, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Imagine walking more than 60 miles through a deadly jungle, your children by your side, clinging to the faint hope of safety and a better future.
    Chris Shue, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Some voiced faint hope that President-elect Donald Trump would support their cause; others accused China’s Communist Party of infiltrating South Korea’s news media.
    Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near obscure

Cite this Entry

“Obscure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscure. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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