obscurity
noun
ob·scu·ri·ty
äb-ˈskyu̇r-ə-tē 
əb-
plural obscurities
1
: one that is obscure
… peppered with quotes from … heavy hitters, as well as some downright obscurities.—
Penelope Green
Penelope Green2
: the quality or state of being obscure
novels that have faded into obscurity
Examples of obscurity in a Sentence
In recent years, the tradition has emerged from obscurity.
He has been living in relative obscurity in a small town in the mountains.
After a promising first novel, she faded into obscurity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Some have been completely worn down with obscurity over time; others appear to be washed and adorned with fresh flowers on a weekly basis.
—Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Social platforms reward outrage with visibility and punish restraint with obscurity.
—Joe Palaggi, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
The reasoning — defensive-minded head coach, pounce on an ascending quarterback and build through draft — offer the Miami Dolphins a pathway out of obscurity.
—Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Fox was struck that such an important work by a major artist could be languishing in literal obscurity.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
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Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Social platforms reward outrage with visibility and punish restraint with obscurity.
—Joe Palaggi, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
The reasoning — defensive-minded head coach, pounce on an ascending quarterback and build through draft — offer the Miami Dolphins a pathway out of obscurity.
—Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Fox was struck that such an important work by a major artist could be languishing in literal obscurity.
—Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obscurity. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obscurity
noun
ob·scu·ri·ty
äb-ˈskyu̇r-ət-ē
əb-
plural obscurities
1
: something that is obscure
2
: the quality or state of being obscure
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