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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 However, as the need to help animals without loving homes became increasingly apparent, the team's mission shifted towards establishing a nonprofit that would provide shelter, medical care, and love to animals who need it most. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025 The materials that were included at least eight videos of apparent police interviews with victims. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 This, too, is the way of life, a series of moments followed by other moments, the connections only apparent through the passage of time. Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025 For one, cropping into the frame makes high ISO image noise more apparent. PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apparent
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The next total lunar eclipse visible in the Americas will occur March 3, 2026, NASA said.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Right now, in the first week of what will be a three-week rehearsal period, the dancers’ efforts are visible.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For less obvious water damage, car owners might eventually smell mold or mildew.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • All of which raises an obvious question.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After a noticeable drop in school attendance due to SEPTA cuts in the first week of the new school year, the city directed a portion of its $135 million transit subsidy to restore bus and trolley service on routes that are heavily used by students.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The ears of a young ram are more noticeable than those of an old ram, whose ears are largely concealed by the massive horns.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, sometimes the heat is impossible to ignore — evident in the small sweat stains on Dinkel’s blue collared shirt.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The football landscape has changed 20 years on, and 10 new signings show United wanted to change the squad, but there is evident faith in retaining the nucleus of Farke’s 2025 centurions.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • There is some negative buzz around the movie, mostly down to the casting of Jared Leto, along with the seeming absence of Sam Flynn and Quorra from the sequel.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In explaining the oversight for such a highly visual social media app, Meta claimed limited resources and higher priorities.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Some focus on breathing, others on a visual image, mantra, or sound.
    Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apparent. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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