Synonyms for

Blur

Verb / blɜ: / Another word for blur — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Blur means to make or become unclear or less distinct.

Synonyms & similar words

blear smutch smudge slur focus fuzz dim obnubilate filmover smear obscure confuse glazeover fuzzy hazy indistinct blurred cloudy dim faint misty nebulous obscure shadowy vague unfocused dull soft muffled muted indiscernible imprecise

Synonyms by register

Formal

obscure haze cloud mist

Informal

smudge mess muddle fog

Literary

gloom murk shadow

Antonyms

clarity focus distinctness sharpness definition precision

Common collocations

  • blur the lines
  • out of focus
  • a blur of motion
  • a blur of color
  • vision blur
  • memory blur
  • indistinct blur

Word family

noun blur
verb blur
adjective blurry

Usage note

As a verb, 'blur' often implies making something indistinct or difficult to see/understand. As a noun, it refers to the indistinct state itself.

Example sentences

  1. I rubbed my eyes, trying to clear the blur from my vision.
  2. The rain on the windshield made the cars ahead of me blur.
  3. The artist used a brush stroke technique to blur the edges of the painting.
  4. The motion of the train made the scenery outside blur past us.
  5. The photographer used a special lens to blur the background of the portrait.

Quotes

  • The problem with introspection is that it has no end. - Philip K. Dick
  • It's like trying to describe what you feel when you're standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon or remembering your first love or the birth of your child. You have to be there to really know what it's like. - Jack Schmitt
  • The blur is a part of life. - Jerry Seinfeld

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