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obscurantism

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

/ əbˈskyʊər ənˌtɪz əm, ˌɒb skyʊˈræn tɪz əm /

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

noun

opposition to the increase and spread of knowledge.

deliberate obscurity or evasion of clarity.

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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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for obscurantism

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

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