What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obscurist
Example
The professor was accused of being an obscurist, using jargon and technical terms that confused his students. [obscurist: noun]
Example
The author's writing style was criticized for being too obscurist, making it hard for readers to follow the plot. [obscurist: adjective]
perplexer
Example
The math problem was a real perplexer, leaving the students scratching their heads. [perplexer: noun]
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were so confusing that they became a real perplexer. [perplexer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Perplexer is more commonly used than obscurist in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obscurist and perplexer?
Obscurist is a more formal word, often used in academic or intellectual contexts, while perplexer is more commonly used in informal contexts.