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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of obscurity
Arizona State’s powerhouse tailback has toiled superbly all season while remaining in relative obscurity.
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Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2024
Harris will preside over Congress' certification of Trump's victory on January 6 of next year—four years to the day since the Capitol riot, which at the time seemed destined to push her opponent into political obscurity.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
The resurgence in interest – not to mention monetary value – suggests that the technology is resilient and unlikely to simply fade into obscurity, as was predicted during its slump.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Georgescu, who had reportedly declared zero campaign spending, had catapulted from obscurity to win the first round of the presidential vote on Nov. 24.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obscurity 
Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2024
Harris will preside over Congress' certification of Trump's victory on January 6 of next year—four years to the day since the Capitol riot, which at the time seemed destined to push her opponent into political obscurity.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
The resurgence in interest – not to mention monetary value – suggests that the technology is resilient and unlikely to simply fade into obscurity, as was predicted during its slump.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Georgescu, who had reportedly declared zero campaign spending, had catapulted from obscurity to win the first round of the presidential vote on Nov. 24.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obscurity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obscurity
Noun
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The pleasure mostly derives from picking out the remaining ambiguities, especially related to the film’s flash-forward coda; the finale has already inspired a lot of heated social-media debate over its intention.David Sims, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
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Where American Primeval has at least allowed a sliver of ambiguity when portraying whether or not Young was complicit in the massacre’s cover-up until now, there’s none of that here.Keith Phipps, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In 30 minutes, they were shot into oblivion by Jackson’s ragtag army.Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025
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The loss dropped the Rams’ record to 0-2 en route to a 1-4 start that had coach Sean McVay’s team on the brink of potential playoff oblivion.Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Then, his remains were taken to the state capital in Atlanta, where he was honored in a moment of silence at the Capitol before a service at the Carter Center.John Bacon, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
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An eerie soundscape coats one’s ears throughout, rarely allowing for an instant of complete silence.Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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According to sources close to the talks who were granted anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, language on automation was drawn up to assist the full bargaining committee review process slated for Tuesday.Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
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But with the election over and President-elect Donald Trump set to take office, some aides thought there might be a slim chance to persuade Biden to relent in his last days in office, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations.Ellen Nakashima, arkansasonline.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near obscurity
Cite this Entry
“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obscurity. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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