WordLens

obscure

1 of 2adjective
/əbˈskjʊr/
Forms:more obscure,most obscure
1

difficult to comprehend due to being vague or hidden

  • The obscure references in the text were difficult for most readers to understand.
  • The philosopher's theories remained obscure, only fully appreciated by a small group of experts.
  • His obscure knowledge of medieval history made him a valuable resource for the research team.
  • The language used in the ancient manuscript was so obscure that it took years to decipher.
  • The film's plot was deliberately obscure, leaving audiences to interpret its meaning.
Synonyms:
esotericarcaneabstrusereconditevague
2

not well-known or widely recognized

  • The scientist published his findings in an obscure journal that few in the field had heard of.
  • The artist's early works were obscure, with only a few critics appreciating their unique style.
  • Many people are unaware of the obscure author who wrote the influential book that shaped modern literature.
  • The theory was once obscure, known only to a small group of specialists, but later gained broader recognition.
  • The philosopher’s ideas remained obscure until they were revived by contemporary scholars.
Synonyms:
unfamiliarunknownstrangeunrecognizedunsung
3

situated in a remote or isolated area, far from attention or recognition

  • The obscure town was hidden deep in the mountains, away from main roads.
  • She lived in an obscure neighborhood, largely overlooked by outsiders.
  • The obscure village had little contact with the outside world.
  • The school was in an obscure location, making it hard to find.
  • The road to the obscure monastery was narrow and difficult to navigate.
Synonyms:
out-of-the-wayfar-flunglonelyremoteapartsecludedlonesomedesolatereclusiveoutlyingforlornsolitaryapart(p)derelictisolatedlone
4

hidden or not easily noticed

  • The artist made an obscure reference in his work that only a few noticed.
  • The flaw in the design was obscure, barely visible to the naked eye.
  • His contributions to the project were obscure, overshadowed by others' work.
  • The error remained obscure until a careful review of the document.
  • The actress played an obscure role in the film, unnoticed by most viewers.
Synonyms:
unnotedunacknowledgedunnoticeableinvisibleoverlookeddisregardedunnoticedneglectedunmarkedunseen
5

shadowy and dark, often lacking clarity or detail due to insufficient light

  • Beneath the obscure canopy of trees, the forest floor remained dim and mysterious.
  • The basement was filled with obscure corners that made it feel unsettling.
  • The obscure alley was shrouded in shadows, making it difficult to navigate.
  • They stumbled upon an obscure path that led them deep into the woods.
  • An obscure haze hung over the city at dusk, blurring the outlines of buildings.
Synonyms:
darkenedlightlesstenebrificunlightedtenebrousunilluminatedshadowydarkunlitgloomydim