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
Without a solid marketing strategy, even the best products risk fading into obscurity.
—
Karan Sharma, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Some hardly get off the ground, while others raise money at lofty valuations before vanishing into obscurity.
—Jon Fortt,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025
But in early April 1997, fax machines in Republican congressional offices spat out a message that ended this rule’s obscurity.
—Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 11 Dec. 2024
Some were catapulted into the limelight from relative obscurity and were soon juggling major awards ceremonies and lucrative studio deals.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obscurity 
Karan Sharma, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Some hardly get off the ground, while others raise money at lofty valuations before vanishing into obscurity.
—Jon Fortt,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025
But in early April 1997, fax machines in Republican congressional offices spat out a message that ended this rule’s obscurity.
—Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 11 Dec. 2024
Some were catapulted into the limelight from relative obscurity and were soon juggling major awards ceremonies and lucrative studio deals.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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There was originally some ambiguity over whether resigning workers would have to do any work for the next eight months.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
5 Feb. 2025
-
By the end, all snaps into place, though not without some queasy ambiguities and the outings of evil machinations on the part of at least one of the parents.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Another couple tried on foot, feigning oblivion to the officers blocking the road.—
Connor Sheets,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2025
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Unfortunately for them, Steph won’t be bullied – even by paternalistic threats of being sued into oblivion.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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And so that was something that forced me into the silence of my own mind.—
Tricia Despres,
People.com,
2 Feb. 2025
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Approximately a minute later, one controller makes another request for the plane to contact the tower, followed by about 30 seconds of silence.—
Chris Ullery,
USA TODAY,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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On Thursday, the National Women’s Soccer League awarded Denver the league’s 16th franchise at a record $110 million expansion fee, according to a person familiar with the deal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic details.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2025
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The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.—
Tara Copp,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near obscurity
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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