1 obscurantism | Definition of obscurantism

obscurantism

noun
ob·​scu·​ran·​tism | \ äb-ˈskyu̇r-É™n-ËŒti-zÉ™m How to pronounce obscurantism (audio) , É™b-; ˌäb-skyu̇-ˈran-\

Definition of obscurantism

1 : opposition to the spread of knowledge : a policy of withholding knowledge from the general public
2a : a style (as in literature or art) characterized by deliberate vagueness or abstruseness
b : an act or instance of obscurantism

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Other Words from obscurantism

obscurantist \ äb-​ˈskyu̇r-​É™n-​tist How to pronounce obscurantist (audio) , É™b-​ ; ˌäb-​skyu̇-​ˈran-​tist \ noun or adjective

Examples of obscurantism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The secular Republic—as defended by Sarkozy, Hollande, and then Valls, along with numerous intellectuals and editorial writers—conveniently united the fight against Islamist obscurantism in France with that in Afghanistan. Rony Brauman, Harper's magazine, "Salable Virtues," 10 Apr. 2019 Some of his ire is justified—there is a lot of obscurantism in the world—but most works to bypass rather than engage. Samuel Moyn, The New Republic, "Hype for the Best," 19 Mar. 2018 This started to take effect even before the Internet took off, on account of crate-digging, esotericism and obscurantism, and the burgeoning reissue industry. Bruce Sterling, WIRED, "Musica Globalista: the farewell essay by Simon Reynolds, ‘Here Comes Everything’," 2 Sep. 2011

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obscurantism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of obscurantism

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for obscurantism

obscurantism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of obscurantism

formal : the practice of keeping knowledge or understanding about something from people : the policy of not letting people know something

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with obscurantism