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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective evident contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of evident are apparent, clear, distinct, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

How do apparent and evident relate to one another?

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

for no apparent reason

When can clear be used instead of evident?

The meanings of clear and evident largely overlap; however, clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When would distinct be a good substitute for evident?

The words distinct and evident can be used in similar contexts, but distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When could manifest be used to replace evident?

In some situations, the words manifest and evident are roughly equivalent. However, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

In what contexts can obvious take the place of evident?

While the synonyms obvious and evident are close in meaning, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When might patent be a better fit than evident?

While in some cases nearly identical to evident, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to evident?

Although the words plain and evident have much in common, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of evident That was evident during the citywide immigration raids attended by Trump’s border czar Tom Homan and the TV personality Dr. Phil in January — and now in Wednesday’s courthouse arrests. Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 The energy at Chase Center was evident for all four quarters. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 22 May 2025 And in Ferguson, Missouri, where the fatal 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown and subsequent mass protests made the city the epicenter for police reform, major changes were evident eight years later, including a more racially diverse police department and less frequent traffic stops. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The tension between the two was evident at the command center on Tuesday where they were being collectively gathered and processed. Matt Finn, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • Perhaps more than any other genre, the evolution of punk rock (both in Los Angeles and around the world) is never more apparent than in the age range of bands at music festivals.
    Josh Chesler, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • That license is currently set to expire on May 27, but sources indicate it may now be extended by 60 days — an apparent diplomatic concession aimed at easing tensions and fostering future cooperation.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond the physical abuse, Cassie endured a steady drumbeat of insidious threats that sent an unmistakable message: the violence could escalate at any moment.
    Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
  • The unmistakable message: in Welch’s House of Representatives, Democratic moderates who think for themselves and question their own party’s orthodoxies are unwelcome.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, remains in play as a possible addition to a Rams team regarded as a Super Bowl contender, coach Sean McVay acknowledged after practice.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • The Boise City Council approved plan modifications May 13 for a central village green and town center that would include shopping, coffee shops and food spots, including possible food carts in a park area.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • What exactly the Shoreline plan would replace is not entirely clear.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
  • Just clear structure, early accountability and transparent expectations.
    Ryan Hohman, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Every detail is considered, down to the most straightforward dish on the menu and its namesake.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
  • The intense setup here is fairly straightforward as these types of sci-fi mystery shows go, with Buenos Aires residents going about their evenings when a sudden nightmarish snowfall descends over the metropolis, killing millions indiscriminately.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Within such simulations, there will be three distinct participant groups: 1.
    Ivan Shvaichenko, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • There is a distinct difference between the two eras.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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