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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.

Conservative and liberal judges alike questioned the arguments of Solicitor Gen. John Sauer, who represented the administration, saying he relied on “some pretty obscure sources,” including precedents that dated back to Roman law.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Suddenly he was asking his father, a former Microsoft engineer, to explain obscure Windows file formats.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

He questioned Sauer’s reliance on “Roman law sources” and other obscure citations while pointing out that more relevant, authoritative sources cut against his argument.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

An obscure government data series that tracks the amount of leverage employed by different categories of hedge funds — including trendy “multi-strat” funds known as “pod shops” — may offer more insight.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

Great golden bands caught his sleeves in the dip between biceps and deltoids, and his neck was dark with obscure tattoos.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Vocabulary lists containing obscure

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 3

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