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View synonyms for obfuscate

obfuscate

[ ob-fuh-skeyt, ob-fuhs-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ob·fus·cat·ed, ob·fus·cat·ing.
  1. to make unclear or hard to understand, especially deliberately:

    Do not obfuscate the issue with irrelevant detail.

    Synonyms: muddy, cloud

  2. to confuse or bewilder:

    The authors achieve their purpose without obfuscating the reader by using too much technical terminology.

    Synonyms: perplex, muddle

    Antonyms: illuminate, clarify

  3. to darken.


verb (used without object)

, ob·fus·cat·ed, ob·fus·cat·ing.
  1. to make something unclear or hard to understand, especially deliberately; speak or write evasively or obscurely:

    Notice how she obfuscates when asked directly about her conversations with the defendant.

obfuscate

/ ˈɒbfʌsˌkeɪt /

verb

  1. to obscure or darken
  2. to perplex or bewilder
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌobfusˈcatory, adjective
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Other Words From

  • ob·fus·ca·tion [ob-f, uh, -, skey, -sh, uh, n], noun
  • ob·fus·ca·to·ry [ob-, fuhs, -k, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
  • un·ob·fus·cat·ed adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of obfuscate1

First recorded in 1525–35; from Late Latin obfuscātus “darkened,” past participle of obfuscāre “to darken,” from Latin ob- ob- + fusc(us) “dark” + -āre, infinitive suffix
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Word History and Origins

Origin of obfuscate1

C16: from Latin ob- (intensive) + fuscāre to blacken, from fuscus dark
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Example Sentences

He also obfuscated the facts on health care, reproductive care and who brought down the cost of prescription medication.

From Salon

“The propaganda did not identify, and in fact purposefully obfuscated, the Russian government or its agents as the source of the content,” read the press release released by the Justice Department announcing the domain seizure.

From Salon

Vice President Harris is better equipped than most when it comes to pinning down an obfuscating opponent.

“Colored Television” is a sharp critique of this binary preoccupation with identity, the ways in which the culture obfuscates serious issues that only breed further confusion.

And it goes beyond political slogans, which are deliberately meant to obfuscate and draw would-be supporters in.

From Salon

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