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1. Make less visible or unclear
   "The stars are obscured by the clouds"; "the big elm tree obscures our view of the valley"
   - befog, becloud, obnubilate, haze over, fog, cloud, mist
    
2. Make unclear, indistinct, or blurred
   "Her remarks obscured the debate"
   - confuse, blur, obnubilate
    
3. Make obscure or unclear
   "The distinction was obscured"
   - bedim [archaic], overcloud
    
4. Reduce a vowel to a neutral one, such as a schwa
    
5. Make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or concealing
   - blot out, obliterate, veil, hide

1. Not clearly understood or expressed
   "an obscure turn of phrase"; "an impulse to go off and fight certain obscure battles of his own spirit"
   - vague
    
2. Marked by difficulty of style or expression
   "those who do not appreciate Kafka's work say his style is obscure"
   - dark
    
3. Difficult to find
   "an obscure retreat"
   - hidden
    
4. Not famous or acclaimed
   "an obscure family"
   - unknown, unsung
    
5. Not drawing attention
   "an obscure flaw"
   - unnoticeable
    
6. Remote and separate physically or socially
   "an obscure village"
   - apart, isolated

Derived forms: obscurer, obscurest, obscures, obscuring, obscured

See also: concealed, incomprehensible, inconspicuous, inglorious, invisible, muddy, obscurely, obscureness, obscurity, unclear, uncomprehensible, unconnected

Type of: alter, change, conceal, hide, modify, reduce

Encyclopedia: Obscure