obscurity

noun

ob·​scu·​ri·​ty äb-ˈskyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce obscurity (audio)
əb-
plural obscurities
Synonyms of obscuritynext
1
: one that is obscure
… peppered with quotes from … heavy hitters, as well as some downright obscurities.—Penelope Green
2
: the quality or state of being obscure
novels that have faded into obscurity

Synonyms of obscurity

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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
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.
And Bocas del Toro faded into obscurity once again. — Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 The first point is that its obscurity contributes to its popularity. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Intruders prefer empty homes, visual obscurity, silence, easy entry and quick exits. — Kevin Brasler, Washington Post, 2 July 2026 Garth Jennings has made a movie charting Pulp’s rise from obscurity to cultural touchstone, set to premiere exclusively on Mubi this fall. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for obscurity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English obscurite, borrowed from Anglo-French oscurté, obscurité, borrowed from Latin obscūritāt-, obscūritās, from obscūrus "dim, dark, imperfectly known, concealed from knowledge, incomprehensible" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at obscure entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of obscurity was in the 14th century

Rhymes for obscurity

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Browse Nearby Words

obscuringly
obscurity
obscurum per obscurius
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Cite this Entry

“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obscurity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

obscurity

noun
ob·​scu·​ri·​ty äb-ˈskyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce obscurity (audio)
əb-
plural obscurities
1
: something that is obscure
2
: the quality or state of being obscure

More from Merriam-Webster on obscurity

Nglish: Translation of obscurity for Spanish Speakers

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