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
Functionally identical, either one of the rovers could have made the voyage to Mars, but one of them was bound to become the famous face of the mission, while the other was destined to be left behind in obscurity.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2025
After operating in obscurity, casting directors are finally getting recognition in the form of an Oscar.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 May 2025
Researchers highlight how the Proust effect also creates a sense of connection with others and gives life more meaning, reawakening moments that have otherwise faded into obscurity.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch arrived with great fanfare in 2013, then disappeared into obscurity.
—Jackie Snow, Quartz, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2025
After operating in obscurity, casting directors are finally getting recognition in the form of an Oscar.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 May 2025
Researchers highlight how the Proust effect also creates a sense of connection with others and gives life more meaning, reawakening moments that have otherwise faded into obscurity.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch arrived with great fanfare in 2013, then disappeared into obscurity.
—Jackie Snow, Quartz, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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With a multigenerational workforce and increasingly younger workforce seeking transparency, consider creating cultures where ambiguity is discussed openly, not masked with false certainty.—
Arthi Rabikrisson,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Lynch opened up a whole new space where ambiguity wasn’t just tolerated — it was embraced.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
12 June 2025
Noun
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Once so glorious on the outside, but now sinking more and more into oblivion.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2025
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Now, operated by the famed restaurateur Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, the View is making a bid for something beyond travel-guidebook oblivion.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
18 May 2025
Noun
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The researchers of the 2022 study also found that people on the receiving end of indirect attacks also end up responding with silence, politeness or attempts to smooth things over.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
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The veteran guard has now broken his silence on the deal with a simple emoji message.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Noun
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An executive at a major U.S. sportsbook operator, speaking on the condition of anonymity earlier this year, said tribal groups might be the strongest potential deterrent to Kalshi’s growth because of their ability to act in unison to defend their legal gaming rights.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 June 2025
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The adjustment introduced a nuance meant to provide more flexibility to the commitment, said the people, who requested anonymity to discuss private considerations.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
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