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
But every once in a while, something happens in the world that drives the lingo out of obscurity and into popular discussions.
—Talmon Joseph Smith, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Instead of fading into obscurity, Monero demonstrated remarkable resilience.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big budget movie.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
Read MacLachlan’s full tribute to Lynch below: Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big budget movie.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Talmon Joseph Smith, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Instead of fading into obscurity, Monero demonstrated remarkable resilience.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big budget movie.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025
Read MacLachlan’s full tribute to Lynch below: Forty-two years ago, for reasons beyond my comprehension, David Lynch plucked me out of obscurity to star in his first and last big budget movie.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obscurity
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obscurity. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share