obscurant Definition
a person who opposes or seeks to restrict intellectual inquiry and the spread of knowledge, usually by the use of obscure language, argument, or irrelevant information.
Using obscurant: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "obscurant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The obscurant's arguments were difficult to follow and seemed designed to confuse rather than clarify.
Example
The professor accused the critic of being an obscurant who was more interested in showing off his vocabulary than in engaging with the text.
Example
The obscurants in the government were opposed to any reforms that would make the system more transparent and accountable.
obscurant Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for obscurant
- dogmatist
- reactionary
- traditionalist
- anti-intellectual
Antonyms for obscurant
Phrases with obscurant
obscuration tactics
methods used by obscurants to prevent the spread of knowledge or understanding
Example
The company used a variety of obscuration tactics to hide its unethical practices from the public.
the practice of deliberately making things obscure or difficult to understand, especially in order to prevent the spread of knowledge or understanding
Example
The obscurantism of the government made it difficult for citizens to understand what was really happening.
anti-obscurantism
the belief that knowledge and understanding should be freely available to all, and that obscurants should not be allowed to restrict intellectual inquiry
Example
The Enlightenment was characterized by a strong commitment to anti-obscurantism and the spread of knowledge.
Summary: obscurant in Brief
'Obscurant' [uh b-skyoo r-uh nt] refers to a person who opposes or seeks to restrict intellectual inquiry and the spread of knowledge, often through the use of obscure language or irrelevant information. The term is often used to describe those who are anti-intellectual or reactionary, and who seek to maintain the status quo. Examples include 'The obscurant's arguments were difficult to follow and seemed designed to confuse rather than clarify.' 'Obscurant' extends into phrases like 'obscuration tactics,' and concepts like 'obscurantism,' which is the practice of deliberately making things obscure or difficult to understand.
