obscurity

noun

ob·scu·ri·ty äb-ˈskyu̇r-ə-tē

əb-

plural obscurities

Synonyms of obscurity

: one that is obscure

… peppered with quotes from … heavy hitters, as well as some downright obscurities.—Penelope Green

: 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

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.

Some of the coverage may be ugly and unfair, but isn’t obscurity worse? — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 Ketchup Entertainment later acquired the film for $50 million, saving it from obscurity. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Jackie lived in relative eagle obscurity before the webcam was installed. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 But for every Eddie Van Halen or Randy Rhoads, there were plenty of other face-melters who existed in some form of relative obscurity compared to their more famous counterparts. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Obscurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obscurity. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

obscurity

noun

ob·scu·ri·ty äb-ˈskyu̇r-ət-ē

əb-

plural obscurities

: something that is obscure

: the quality or state of being obscure

obscurity

noun

Synonyms of obscurity

Examples of obscurity in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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obscurity

noun

Synonyms of obscurity

Examples of obscurity in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for obscurity

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on obscurity

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