obfuscatory
/ˈɑb.fəˌskeɪ.tər.i/
ADJECTIVE
1. Intentionally confusing or obscuring meaning
Tending to make information, language, statements, or explanations unclear or difficult to understand, often deliberately to conceal the truth or confuse others.
1.1. Deliberately vague or misleading communication
Describes statements, answers, speeches, or language designed to conceal intentions, avoid direct answers, or prevent people from understanding the truth.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The official's vague statements were deemed obfuscatory by the skeptical public.
- Detectives were frustrated by the suspect's consistently obfuscatory answers.
- The diplomat's speech was filled with obfuscatory phrases that concealed the true intentions.
Related Words
- enigmatic
- mysterious
- deceptive
- misleading
- inscrutable
- noncommittal
1.2. Difficult-to-understand language or explanations
Describes wording, documents, or explanations that are unnecessarily complicated, obscure, or difficult for readers to interpret.
Synonyms
- incomprehensible
- indecipherable
- opaque
- nebulous
- puzzling
- obscure
- unclear
- indistinct
Antonyms
Examples
- Critics accused the document of containing deliberately obfuscatory language to confuse readers.
- The corporate lawyer was skilled at crafting obfuscatory contracts to protect the interests of the company.
Related Words
- abstruse
- convoluted
- cryptic
- perplexing
- bewildering
- unintelligible
- unfathomable