OBSCURE Synonyms: 342 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

obscure 1 of 2

adjective

äb-ˈskyu̇r

Definition of obscure next

as in ambiguous

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning a fantasy writer who likes to put lots of obscure references and images in her tales of wizards and warlocks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unknown

not widely known he's an obscure artist now, but he's sure to be famous someday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in darkened

being without light or without much light hid in an obscure spot among the trees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vague

not seen or understood clearly a distinction so obscure that only the experts can really see it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

obscure

2 of 2

verb

as in to conceal

to keep secret or shut off from view the investigative reporters obscured their real motives for visiting the company by pretending the story was about something else

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to blur

to make dark, dim, or indistinct when it isn't obscured by smog, the view of the city from the observatory can be spectacular

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example 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 restaurant’s location, which is far from the street in an obscure shopping center, is hard to spot. —

Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025 The same was true for the most obscure workout classes. —

Sue Williamson, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

In voyeuristic businesses, this emotional hook often obscures deeper realities of exploitation, inequality and ethical breaches. —

Maxim Voronov, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2025 Sneaky shinobi Naoe is all about pulling off kills from the shadows, obscuring herself from enemies by extinguishing lanterns, throwing smoke bombs, and lying prone in bushes — or taking them out from afar with her kunai. —

Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for obscure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure

Adjective

Their reasoning is ambiguous and the move is likely to put moderate Republicans facing reelection in swing districts in an uncomfortable position.

— Lee Hamilton, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Executive orders have nearly always been legally ambiguous.

— Meredith Conroy, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2025