self-evident

adjective

self-ev·​i·​dent ˌself-ˈe-və-dənt How to pronounce self-evident (audio)
-ˌdent
: evident without proof or reasoning
self-evidently adverb

Examples of self-evident in a Sentence

the self-evident truth that all people have the right of self-determination
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Slavery was the self-evident contradiction that must be lived with until the infant American republic survived infancy. Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025 For decades, universities have relied on the assumption that their legitimacy was self-evident. Nicholas Dirks, Time, 16 Oct. 2025 Those seven words ought to be self-evident; a war is a war, after all. Sarah Botstein, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 These assertions are self-evident but fishy. Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-evident

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-evident was in 1643

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Cite this Entry

“Self-evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-evident. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-evident

adjective
self-ev·​i·​dent
ˈsel-ˈfev-əd-ənt,
-ə-ˌdent
: having no need of proof
self-evident truths

More from Merriam-Webster on self-evident

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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