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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 obscurity
Neymar hasn’t quite dropped off the map, but for him, a transfer to Saudi brought obscurity and inactivity.
—
Phil Hay, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
The opera disappeared, and Dédé’s legacy faded into obscurity.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
The Santa Cruz Mountain range — as far as its wines go — is shrouded in relative obscurity despite its rich history and undeniable potential.
—David Rosoff, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2025
Despite his monumental contributions, Nearest Green’s story faded into obscurity.
—Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Phil Hay, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
The opera disappeared, and Dédé’s legacy faded into obscurity.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025
The Santa Cruz Mountain range — as far as its wines go — is shrouded in relative obscurity despite its rich history and undeniable potential.
—David Rosoff, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2025
Despite his monumental contributions, Nearest Green’s story faded into obscurity.
—Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
-
Some legal scholars say ambiguity about Musk's precise actions behind the scenes could also complicate his critics' legal challenges.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
17 Feb. 2025
-
But that email and a cascade of follow up messages, FAQs and the resignation agreement language are mired in ambiguities and contradictions, labor law experts said.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
And, whereas during the first Trump term there was enough chaos and resistance inside the government that some of Trump’s more damaging impulses—to withdraw from NATO, for example—could be slow-walked into oblivion, this time around was different.—
Keith Gessen,
The New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Once again, her stern words earned tepid applause from a crowd that honestly just wanted to go two hours without thinking about humanity's downward trajectory into civil, moral, and environmental oblivion.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Claressa Shields, the undefeated world champion boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has broken her silence following a suspension for testing positive for marijuana.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
28 Feb. 2025
-
For decades after World War II, a long silence engulfed Poland’s Jewish history and the atrocities committed there.—
Shira Li Bartov,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have said that the players have been informed of the decision.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
-
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to confirm reports that the lists were submitted.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share