obscure

(adjective, verb)

adjective

1. not clearly expressed or understood

- an obscure turn of phrase

- an impulse to go off and fight certain obscure battles of his own spirit

Similar word(s): unclear, vague

2. marked by difficulty of style or expression

- those who do not appreciate Kafka's work say his style is obscure

Similar word(s): incomprehensible, uncomprehensible, dark

3. difficult to find

- an obscure retreat

Similar word(s): concealed, hidden

4. not famous or acclaimed

- an obscure family

Similar word(s): inglorious, unknown, unsung

5. not drawing attention

- an obscure flaw

Similar word(s): inconspicuous, invisible, unnoticeable

6. remote and separate physically or socially

- an obscure village

Similar word(s): unconnected, apart, isolated

Sentences with obscure as an adjective:

- an obscure passage or inscription;

verb

1. make less visible or unclear

- The stars are obscured by the clouds

- the big elm tree obscures our view of the valley

Similar word(s): becloud, befog, cloud, fog, mist, obnubilate

Definition categories: perception, conceal, hide

2. make unclear, indistinct, or blurred

Similar word(s): blur, confuse, obnubilate

Definition categories: cognition, alter, change, modify

3. make obscure or unclear

- The distinction was obscured

Similar word(s): bedim, overcloud

Definition categories: change, alter, modify

4. reduce a vowel to a neutral one, such as a schwa

Definition categories: change, reduce

5. make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or concealing

Similar word(s): hide, obliterate, veil

Definition categories: change, alter, modify