Obscure: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something is not easily understood or lacks clarity. It often refers to things that are hidden or not well-known.

• The instructions were obscure, leaving the students confused about the assignment
• The small village is obscure, tucked away in the mountains

Used when something can have more than one meaning or interpretation. It often causes confusion due to a lack of clear definition.

• Her statement was ambiguous, leaving everyone unsure about her true intentions
• The laws were written in an ambiguous manner, leading to various interpretations

Used when something is intentionally mysterious or difficult to understand. It typically implies a hidden meaning that requires effort to decipher.

• The ancient manuscript contained cryptic symbols that puzzled the archaeologists
• She gave a cryptic response that only added to the mystery

Used when something is full of secrets or difficult to explain, often creating a sense of curiosity and wonder.

• The abandoned house had a mysterious aura, making everyone feel uneasy
• His sudden disappearance remains one of the most mysterious events in the town

Used to describe something or someone that is mysterious and difficult to understand. It often carries a sense of fascination or intrigue.

• The painting has an enigmatic quality that draws viewers in
• He was an enigmatic figure, always keeping to himself and revealing little about his life

Use when you want to describe something that is not easily seen or understood. It implies being hidden or not clear and often refers to information or objects.

• The old photograph was obscure because it had faded over time
• His true intentions were obscure, hard for anyone to understand

Use when you want to talk about hiding something intentionally to prevent it from being discovered. It usually implies a deliberate effort.

• She tried to conceal the surprise party from him
• The thief managed to conceal the stolen items in his coat

Use when you want to describe making something intentionally confusing or difficult to understand. This word often has a negative connotation.

• The technical jargon served to obfuscate the real issues
• The politician's response was designed to obfuscate the facts

Use when you want to describe covering something partially or fully, often adding an element of mystery or disguise. It can be used both literally and figuratively.

• She wore a veil to cover her face during the ceremony
• His words were veiled to hide his true emotions

Use when you want to suggest covering something in a way that results in it being out of sight or hidden from view. Often used metaphorically.

• The details of the agreement were shrouded in secrecy
• The mountain was shrouded in a thick layer of mist