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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 can be evident in Las Vegas, where the young guard struggled at times a year ago. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025 This was evident during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, when these flags were prominently displayed. Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 July 2025 My instincts were right as evident in Spencer’s debut (or at least his edit) in the premiere of Bachelor in Paradise. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 8 July 2025 This pattern of underestimation was evident across multiple benchmarks, with many researchers' predictions about AI capabilities being proven wrong within months. ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • Separately, Russia’s transport minister was found dead in what authorities said was an apparent suicide — news that broke hours after the Kremlin announced he had been dismissed by Putin.
    Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • The disconnect is apparent: students want to build careers around emerging technology, but traditional education isn’t teaching them how.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The harmful consequences to the economy and food supply is obvious.
    Billal Rahman Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • So now, many Mexicans and Mexican Americans are choosing to be seen in the loudest, most unmistakable way: by wearing their culture on their sleeves—literally.
    Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • The display of might outside was unmistakable, as was the soft power inside the building.
    Andrew J. Campa Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The operator lands their FPV by the side of a track or on a rooftop and waits for possible targets, alerted either by a spotter drone or using the drone’s own camera.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Plenty of big names have been connected as possible targets for the Packers.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The fire table, which comes with clear fire glass, a table lid, propane cover, and a protective fabric table cover, burns at a maximum of 57,000 BTU and is made from rust-free aluminum.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2025
  • If voters, especially in politically conservative areas such as Ohio, make clear that dismantling science and academia undermines their communities, Congress may yet act.
    Matt Motta, Scientific American, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Trent Sherfield Starting point: This group looks from here like a pretty straightforward set.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Textor’s relationship with Palace has been far from straightforward over his four-year involvement.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Linkin Park manages to push three distinct projects north on the same chart at the same time, as consumption of the Grammy-winning act’s catalog continues to grow.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Among the graffiti was a drawing of a crying woman with a distinct Flavian period hairstyle, as well as the Greek alphabet.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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