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

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as in unknown

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

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as in darkened

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

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as in vague

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

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obscure

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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

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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

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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 Department has taken to social media to boast of obscure savings like $500,000 on media subscriptions at NASA or $3 million on real estate leases. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 Relatively obscure Thracian art, for all its muscular power and authority, is a sobering reminder of our common fragility. —

Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025

Verb

Crete police said the driver was traveling east on Exchange and stated his vision was obscured by a vehicle driving west on Exchange with its high beam headlights on. —

Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 Thanks to the ship's mobility, the captain can adjust the location for clear skies, ensuring an unparalleled viewing experience as the moon fully obscures the sun. —

Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for obscure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscure

Adjective

Issues like ambiguous requirements cause misalignment and rework, while inadequate testing environments delay validation and debugging.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
So this is in a very ambiguous state in an ambiguous country, and her mother’s illness is ambiguous.

— Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025