obscurantism
Americannoun
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opposition to the increase and spread of knowledge.
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deliberate obscurity or evasion of clarity.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of obscurantism
First recorded in 1825–35; from German Obscurantismus, or French obscurantisme; see origin at obscurant, -ism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There is a degree of obscurantism in all this, as Mr. Kracht’s bizarre book willfully stymies understanding.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that Mr Rushdie "embodied freedom and the fight against obscurantism" and was the victim "of a cowardly attack by the forces of hatred and barbarism".
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2022
“This committee, characterized for its secrecy and obscurantism, cannot be considered the appropriate venue to investigate the alleged violence of human rights,” said Esteban Beltrán, Amnesty’s director in Spain.
From Washington Times ● May 5, 2022
“This committee, characterized for its secrecy and obscurantism, cannot be considered the appropriate venue to investigate the alleged violence of human rights,” said Esteban Beltrán, the director of the rights group in Spain.
From Seattle Times ● May 5, 2022
One hopes there will always be a "persiflage" like that of Voltaire to clear the human stage of stupid tyranny and drive the mud-monsters of obscurantism back into their mid-night caverns.
From Suspended Judgments Essays on Books and Sensations by John Cowper Powys
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
