blur
1 antonyms and opposites of blur, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To make something unclear, hazy, or difficult to make out.
Antonyms
How to use blur
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Possibly an alteration of "blear," from Old English roots meaning "to make pale or dim."
Full origin of blur →Frequently asked questions
What does “blur” mean?
The word “blur” means to make something unclear, hazy, or difficult to make out. In plain terms, to make (or become) unclear and hazy, or the hazy thing itself.
How do you pronounce “blur”?
“Blur” is pronounced BLUR (/blɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “blur” in a sentence?
Here is “blur” used in a sentence: “Tears blurred her vision as she read the letter.”
What is the opposite of “blur”?
The opposite of “blur” — its antonyms — is sharpen.
What part of speech is “blur”?
Depending on how it is used, “blur” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “blur” come from?
The word “blur” comes from Old English. Possibly an alteration of "blear," from Old English roots meaning "to make pale or dim.".
Is “blur” a common word?
“Blur” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “blur” have?
“Blur” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something unclear, hazy, or difficult to make out.
What is the difference between blur and blurred as verb forms?
"Blur" is the base form of the verb, used for present-tense action ("tears blur her vision"), while "blurred" is the past tense and past participle, used for completed action or as an adjective ("a blurred photo"). Both describe making something unclear or hazy, but "blurred" typically describes the resulting state.
Can blur be used figuratively rather than for visual effects?
Yes, blur is commonly used figuratively to describe boundaries, memories, or distinctions becoming unclear, as in "the line between work and home life has blurred." This extends the core visual meaning of making something hazy or hard to distinguish to abstract concepts like categories or recollections.
What is the difference between blur and smudge?
Blur usually describes a loss of sharpness or clarity, often from motion or focus, such as a blurred image or blurred vision. Smudge more specifically implies a mark left by rubbing or smearing, such as ink or dirt, and often refers to a physical stain rather than a general lack of definition.