Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for obscure. Search instead for obskur.
Definitions

obscure

[uhb-skyoor] / əbˈskyʊər /
ADJECTIVE
not easily understood
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ambiguous arcane complicated confusing cryptic enigmatic esoteric mysterious vague
STRONG
concealed dim hidden involved occult
WEAK
abstruse clear as mud dark deep doubtful enigmatical far-out hazy illegible illogical impenetrable incomprehensible inconceivable incredible indecisive indefinite indeterminate indistinct inexplicable inscrutable insoluble intricate opaque recondite unaccountable unbelievable unclear undefined unfathomable unintelligible
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clear common definite known obvious plain straightforward
STRONG
bare exposed open
WEAK
apparent understood
ADJECTIVE
cloudy, shadowy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
murky
STRONG
blurred clouded dim dusk faint obfuscated veiled
WEAK
caliginous dark dense dusky fuliginous gloomy indistinct lightless shady somber tenebrous umbrageous unilluminated unlit
Antonyms
STRONG
clear distinct
WEAK
apparent bright explicit obvious perceptible visible
ADJECTIVE
out-of-the-way, little-known
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arcane cryptic distant enigmatic esoteric humble inaccessible irrelevant minor mysterious odd rare remote secluded secretive undisclosed undistinguished unknown
STRONG
blind close covered hidden removed retired sequestered
WEAK
abstruse cabalistic dark deep devious far far-off inconspicuous inglorious invisible lonesome lowly nameless oracular orphic recondite reticent secret seldom seen solitary unheard-of unhonored unimportant unnoted unseen unsung
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clear common familiar known near nearby obvious public unmysterious
STRONG
exposed revealed
WEAK
apparent distinguished famous understood
VERB
conceal, hide
Synonyms
STRONGEST
belie blind block out blur camouflage cloud confuse cover cover up darken dim disguise eclipse mask misrepresent muddy overshadow shroud veil
STRONG
adumbrate becloud bedim befog blear block cloak con equivocate falsify fog gray haze mist murk obfuscate overcast overcloud pettifog screen shade shadow stonewall wrap
WEAK
cloud the issue double-talk fuzz gloom muddy the waters throw up smoke screen
Antonyms
STRONGEST
brighten clarify clear clear up explain lay out lighten reveal uncover unmask
STRONG
open
WEAK
illuminate loose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

An obscure virus is likely behind the deaths of three people and illness in three others aboard a cruise ship.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

Hantavirus is suspected of spreading aboard a luxury cruise ship, killing three passengers and sparking new concerns as a once obscure disease, with an extraordinarily high death rate, rises amid changing climate conditions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

It can even clock what time of day you’re watching, as well as the obscure Criterion print you’re spinning in your not-smart DVD player.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

The lesson from the telecom debacle is that financial engineering can obscure, for years, the difference between real customer demand and demand driven by incentives.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Our argument ended in a draw; we agreed that the passage was obscure and that as it stood it could be explained either way.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

Vocabulary lists containing obscure

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 3

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!