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

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

This would entail following hundreds of mitzvot, or commandments, including extensive kosher dietary laws, prohibitions of work and travel on the Sabbath, and many more obscure rules, such as eschewing garments that contain both linen and wool. —

Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 For some obscure and puzzling reason, whoever put the messages in the bottles couldn’t just put musical notes, but had to write numbers. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024

Verb

Regardless, the disagreement obscures the more important point. —

Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024 Helena and Barbara's happy endings with their husbands and each other hardly obscures their darkest moments apart. —

Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for obscure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure

Adjective

This was later pulled back and made more ambiguous, but still, the setting and enemy mecha do pretty much squarely place it before the game even if the story elements are now less specific.

Ollie Barder, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Whether or not Margo was actually having an affair with her teenage neighbor is intended to be ambiguous, according to Feldman.

TIME, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024