crossword clue for obscure – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on a clue for "obscure," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and confidently.
Solutions for "crossword clue for obscure" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DIM: Not clearly illuminated or visible, often used for things that are difficult to perceive.
4 Letters
DARK: Lacking light or not light in color; figuratively, mysterious or hidden.
5 Letters
VAGUE: Of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning; not clearly expressed.
6 Letters
ARCANE: Understood by few; mysterious or secret.
7 Letters
CRYPTIC: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.
8 Letters
ABSTRUSE: Difficult to understand; obscure.
ESOTERIC: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
9 Letters
RECONDITE: (Of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse.
ENIGMATIC: Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
More About "crossword clue for obscure"
The clue "obscure" is a classic in the world of crosswords due to its versatility. It can point to a wide array of synonyms, ranging from simple adjectives describing a lack of clarity (like DIM or VAGUE) to more complex terms implying mystery or specialized knowledge (such as CRYPTIC or ESOTERIC). This breadth makes it a challenging yet rewarding clue for solvers, often requiring them to consider the context of other intersecting words or the overall theme of the puzzle.
When you encounter "obscure" in a crossword, remember to think beyond the most common dictionary definitions. Sometimes, it refers to something literally dark or hidden, while other times it describes abstract concepts that are difficult to comprehend or information known only to a select few. The answer length is usually your best guide, narrowing down the possibilities significantly. Our list above covers the most frequent solutions you'll encounter for this clue across various puzzle difficulties.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is the single most important piece of information for narrowing down possibilities for clues like "obscure."
- Look at Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a difficult clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are invaluable hints that will often make an "obscure" answer suddenly obvious.
- Think Beyond the Obvious Synonyms: For words like "obscure," puzzle constructors love to use less common synonyms. If your first thoughts don't fit the letter count, dig a little deeper into related concepts like 'hidden,' 'mysterious,' or 'specialized knowledge.'
- Utilize Crossword Solver Tools: If truly stuck, a quick search on a reputable crossword solver site (like this one!) can provide the specific answer you need, allowing you to learn new words and expand your vocabulary for future puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the best answer for an 'obscure' crossword clue?
Start by considering the number of letters required. Common synonyms for 'obscure' include 'DIM', 'VAGUE', or 'DARK'. For longer answers, think of words like 'CRYPTIC', 'ABSTRUSE', or 'RECONDITE', which imply deeper or hidden meanings. Context from surrounding clues can also be very helpful.
Why are there so many answers for 'obscure' in crosswords?
The word 'obscure' has a rich semantic field, encompassing meanings like 'unclear', 'unknown', 'mysterious', 'hidden', or 'complex'. This allows puzzle constructors to use a wide range of synonyms, making it a versatile clue that can lead to answers of various lengths and complexities, catering to different puzzle difficulties.
Are 'obscure' and 'difficult' synonyms in crosswords?
While 'obscure' can sometimes imply 'difficult' (as in 'difficult to understand'), they are not always direct synonyms in crosswords. 'Obscure' often refers to something unknown, hidden, or not clearly expressed, whereas 'difficult' more generally implies requiring considerable effort or skill. However, in certain contexts, an 'obscure' topic might indeed be 'difficult' to grasp.