obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding …

OBSCURE definition: (of meaning) not clear or plain; ambiguous, vague, or uncertain. See examples of obscure used in a sentence.

Define obscure. obscure synonyms, obscure pronunciation, obscure translation, English dictionary definition of obscure. adj. ob·scur·er , ob·scur·est 1. Deficient in light; dark: the obscure depths of a …

OBSCURE definition: 1. not known to many people: 2. not clear and difficult to understand or see: 3. to prevent…. Learn more.

Something that is obscure is difficult to understand or deal with, usually because it involves so many parts or details. The contracts are written in obscure language. Richard's statement was disgracefully …

If something is obscure, it's vague and hard to see. Be careful if you're driving in heavy rain — the painted lines can be obscure.

to make dark or indistinct: The darkness obscured his features. ob•scure (əb skyŏŏr′), adj., -scur•er, -scur•est, v., -scured, -scur•ing, n. (of meaning) not clear or plain; ambiguous, vague, or uncertain: an …

Jan 26, 2026 · (transitive) To render obscure; to darken; to make dim; to keep in the dark; to hide; to make less visible, intelligible, legible, glorious, beautiful, or illustrious.

Definition of obscure adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word obscure, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.