obscurantism

[ uhb-skyoor-uhn-tiz-uhm, ob-skyoo-ran-tiz-uhm ]

/ əbˈskyʊər ənˌtɪz əm, ˌɒb skyʊˈræn tɪz əm /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: obscurantism / obscurantisms / obscurantist on Thesaurus.com

noun

opposition to the increase and spread of knowledge.

deliberate obscurity or evasion of clarity.

QUIZ

ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?

We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.

Question 1 of 8

Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?

navy

beryl

azure

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of obscurantism

First recorded in 1825–35; from German Obscurantismus, or French obscurantisme; see origin at obscurant, -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM obscurantism

ob·scu·rant·ist, noun, adjective

Words nearby obscurantism

obrogation, obs., obscene, obscenity, obscurant, obscurantism, obscuration, obscure, obscurity, obscurum per obscurius, obsecrate

How to use obscurantism in a sentence

It is therefore a jewel of our common humanity and a bulwark against all obscurantism and the identities which pull us apart.
Hobby Lobby’s forfeited Gilgamesh tablet is headed back to Iraq, and authorities hope it will be a warning to smugglers|Peggy McGlone|September 22, 2021|Washington Post
As they were only talking to themselves, obscurantism increased on a par with poverty and its ills.
Israel’s Religious Zionist Vs. Ultra-Orthodox Rift|Rabbi Daniel Landes|February 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Thus it was that mysticism and obscurantism took the place of enlightenment as a measure of self-defence.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
They succeed, in spite of their obscurantism, because they do confess and meet man's central need, his need to be saved.
Preaching and Paganism|Albert Parker Fitch

The effect of this reaction was to strengthen the cause of authority and political obscurantism.
Reconstruction in Philosophy|John Dewey
The Middle Ages, despite the obscurantism of the Church, had far better claim to that title.
Shelburne Essays, Third Series|Paul Elmer More
But it is an excellent example of what effect religious obscurantism may exert in backward sections of our country.
The Necessity of Atheism|Dr. D.M. Brooks