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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apparent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of apparent are clear, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When is it sensible to use clear instead of apparent?

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

a clear explanation

In what contexts can distinct take the place of apparent?

While in some cases nearly identical to apparent, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When might evident be a better fit than apparent?

While the synonyms evident and apparent are close in meaning, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When can manifest be used instead of apparent?

The words manifest and apparent can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to apparent?

Although the words obvious and apparent have much in common, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When would patent be a good substitute for apparent?

In some situations, the words patent and apparent are roughly equivalent. However, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When is plain a more appropriate choice than apparent?

The words plain and apparent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 apparent Golden State Warriors superstar guard Stephen Curry has exited Game 1 vs the Minnesota Timberwolves due to an apparent injury. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 New York state of mind: Some players fare better in some cities than others for no apparent reason. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025 The name of India’s military operation, Sindoor, is an apparent reference to the women who lost their spouses in the attack on Hindu tourists in Pahalgam last month. Staff, USA Today, 7 May 2025 The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the city DEP both cited the MTA earlier this month when an apparent overflow in the depot’s sewage ejection pit ran off into nearby storm drains, spilling what DEC inspectors estimated to be 50 gallons of waste into the bay. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apparent
Adjective
  • But for now, that was the only visible sign that the school in the Philadelphia suburbs had a new famous alumnus.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Paul Taylor Aston Villa Nerves were visible during the 1-0 home win against Fulham last week, with Villa and their fans knowing that any slip-up would shunt them further adrift of the top-five chasing pack.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The lesson is obvious for investors: always consider control systems.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • That was all too obvious within minutes of his final home game of the season coming to an end on Friday night.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Quail Hollow is getting weird Welcome to the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, where nothing makes sense and anything is possible.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • This is where strategic thinking becomes impactful, as leaders start operating collectively with others to redefine what is possible.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • This gap is especially noticeable in close relationships, such as those with family and close friends, where shared understanding is critical to maintaining connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • The impact of that indirect heat was particularly noticeable in our onion test.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Toxic takeover completed a few months before, the Glazer brothers — Joel, Avie and Bryan — were attending their first match at Old Trafford as owners of Manchester United and a new way of thinking was evident.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • Acidity dominants, as with many 2024 Bordeaux wines, but complexity is evident in this light juice with fine flavors of young red fruit.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Emilia Pérez’s turnout in particular was a fall from seeming dominance, perhaps precipitated by Gascón’s controversy.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
  • That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Not every feature or data point needs to be exposed in the user interface—doing so can lead to visual clutter and overwhelm the user.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Big, bold swings in the visual language and sound design department alternate with stillness and silence.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • There's no official announcement time during a conclave, but there is one unmistakable signal: white smoke.
    Dan Cody, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
  • Indeed, her portraits are unmistakable: characterized by saturated backdrops, tactile surfaces, and a deep reverence for Nigerian studio photography traditions that elevate her sitters to mythic status.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apparent. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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