seeming 1 of 3

seeming

2 of 3

noun

seeming

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verb

present participle of seem

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent, illusory, and ostensible. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

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 seeming
Adjective
Single digit morning temperatures, windchills below zero and the seeming constant hum of a furnace working overtime to keep indoors temperatures livable. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2023 That said, overall investment in healthcare is really just back to 2019 levels, a seeming regression to the mean after the pandemic spurred investment capital into areas like drug development, telehealth and other parts of the healthcare industry. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023
Noun
In other words, despite its seeming departure from Maine’s binary logic, the Second World was really a slice of the non-West that, contrary to expectations, embraced an explicitly secular and modernizing agenda: socialism. Zachariah Mampilly, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025 The pair walked onto the festival’s mainstage hand-in-hand, a seeming necessity given that Sia’s signature black and blonde wig was covering her eyes. Katie Bain, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
The most persuasive people are able to prove their point without seeming manipulative or ill-intended. Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2024 While seeming meager by today’s equipment standards, these supplies were critical for the volunteers. John Laycock, Baltimore Sun, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for seeming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming
Adjective
  • The man dropped to the ground and was arrested without any apparent resistance in the video that Osante filmed.
    Colleen Slevin, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • Wolff did admit that seeing the positives were difficult, aside from the apparent step in tire management.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Shinoda later spoke about about Bennington’s death and what it’s been like to perform with Linkin Park without him during an appearance on The Tonight Show.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2025
  • Ait-Nouri has made 157 appearances for Wolves since joining, initially on loan, in 2020.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • In doing so, their press suffered, looking disjointed.
    Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Brian Cashman, though, is still looking at every option on the table.
    Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Somewhere, sometime, somehow, Rob Tanner’s face will break into the loveliest smile, Arsenal will no longer be second and maybe Manchester United will stop being quite so bad.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Her face became immortalized on advertisements, greeting cards, bottles of hot sauce and all manner of gag gifts; it was even used as advertising décor on flags decorating a Manhattan record store — all without permission or compensation.
    Alan K. Rode, Variety, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 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
Noun
  • Okonkwo made a huge impression in north Wales and his move was made permanent last summer on a free transfer.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • But my impression is that my biggest problems with this season, from the killing of Joel to the single-minded vengeance arc, are all downstream of story decisions made years ago during the development of The Last of Us Part 2.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 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
Noun
  • This watch is in effect until 10 p.m. What to do as threat of lightning approaches?
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2025
  • In effect, a millionaire pays a smaller share of their income into Social Security than a middle-class teacher or nurse.
    Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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