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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of obscurity
Unlike many popular artists, she was never classically trained or in any other bands, nor was she plucked from obscurity to perform assembly-line creations.
—
Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025
Trey White was that someone last season for San Diego State, emerging from obscurity as a backup linebacker to national prominence as a starting edge rusher on SDSU’s defensive line.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2025
The Future of Wine: Innovation, Direct Sales, and New Challenges
The rapid rise of non-alcoholic beverages doesn’t mean traditional alcohol categories are fading into obscurity.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
But worse, Apple would be risking its movies fading into obscurity.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025
Trey White was that someone last season for San Diego State, emerging from obscurity as a backup linebacker to national prominence as a starting edge rusher on SDSU’s defensive line.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2025
The Future of Wine: Innovation, Direct Sales, and New Challenges
The rapid rise of non-alcoholic beverages doesn’t mean traditional alcohol categories are fading into obscurity.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
But worse, Apple would be risking its movies fading into obscurity.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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This framework not only aligns closely with other critical global standards but also underscores the need for professionals who are uniquely trained to navigate ambiguity, challenge assumptions and design with empathy.—
Guy Diedrich,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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A number of analysts argue that the latest NATO defense spending targets contain ambiguities that may skirt core commitments.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Cardholders report that rewards are devalued, denied, disappeared, or fine-printed to oblivion, their actual redemption details dramatically different from their marketing materials.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
24 July 2025
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Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony Crystal Cruises was bankrupt and facing oblivion when it was rescued by luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent, which bought the 602-passenger Crystal Symphony (and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity) and relaunched the brand.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
3 July 2025
Noun
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But what happens when their silence becomes the red flag?—
Laurie Shakur,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Since then, conservative groups have sought to ban the use of ballot drop boxes, citing the law's silence on their use.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Bolton was not detained and has not been charged with any crimes, a person not authorized to discuss the investigation by name told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.—
Corey Williams,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
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Brentford sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss the situation, have stressed that the club have not provided a target price to any team.—
Leon Imber,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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