obvious

adjective

ob·​vi·​ous ˈäb-vē-əs 

1

: easily discovered, seen, or understood

It was obvious that things weren't working out.

She stayed for obvious reasons.

2

archaic : being in the way or in front

obviousness noun

Synonyms

• apparent
• evident
• unmistakable
• clear
• straightforward
• distinct

Choose the Right Synonym for obvious

evident, manifest, patent, distinct, obvious, apparent, plain, clear mean readily perceived or apprehended.

evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

Examples of obvious in a Sentence

Her doctor immediately noticed the obvious signs of the disease.

She saw only the most obvious differences.

It was obvious that things weren't working out.

The answer seems obvious enough to me.

The problem was immediately obvious to everyone in the room.

He was the obvious candidate for president.

The obvious question is: how did he become so successful?

For obvious reasons, I would not like to reveal my name.

Recent Examples on the Web

Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025

But Cate mentioned obvious areas of interest such as housing, infrastructure, regulations, taxes and fees, trade and the overall cost of living. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025

This is an obvious chips-in move for them after their half-court offense face-planted against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 June 2025

But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin obvius, from obviam in the way, from ob in the way of + viam, accusative of via way — more at ob-, via

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing obvious

• state the obvious
• the obvious

Kids Definition

obvious

adjective

ob·​vi·​ous ˈäb-vē-əs 

: easily found, seen, or understood : plain

an obvious mistake

obviousness noun

Legal Definition

obvious

adjective

ob·​vi·​ous

: easily seen, discovered, or understood

specifically : readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in a particular art considering the scope and content of the prior art see also patent

Note: An invention that is found to be obvious cannot be patented.

obviousness noun