Definition of evidentnext
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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 MacInnes said the community’s reaction to and affection for the bar was evident. Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Despite questions about the technology's current capabilities, both the promise and challenges of humanoid robotics remain evident. ABC News, 31 July 2026 Multiple discrepancies were evident on the map, according to reporting by Reuters. Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 The appeal of the app among youth became even more evident when Modi made his first selfie-style Instagram video on July 23, in a bid to reach out to Gen Zs. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • Never has that been more apparent than on petal, the star’s eighth studio album and her first to release via her own imprint, BabyDoll Music, as a subsidiary of Republic.
    Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026
  • Initially, authorities said there were no apparent indications of foul play and that Wells could have drowned, noting the area is known for its dangerous rip currents.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • From a distance, the color nearly blended with Anderson’s skin; the height became considerably more obvious in profile.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • In its rush to chase clicks, the league publicly showcased a wager that appeared to raise obvious questions under its own CBA.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That interplay of warmth, spice, and richer notes is what gives fall fragrances their unmistakable character, setting them apart from the lighter, brighter scents of spring and summer.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Few heads turn despite her tall, unmistakable frame shuffling across the floor.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This gracious grand dame has possibly the best possible address in all of Stockholm, overlooking Strökajen Harbor in the city’s Norrmalm district, a short walk from the Royal Palace and the Old Town.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities haven't stated a possible cause for the other two fires.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning, and this was made very clear throughout their promos on Raw.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Golden State’s new floor is bright blue – decidedly not a Valkyries team color – and features clear Chase Bank branding throughout.
    Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But its effect on us humans — and our lives and economies — isn’t straightforward.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • If future commercial deployments deliver similar results, the architecture could provide customers with a straightforward path from hundreds of kilowatts to several megawatts without fundamentally changing the underlying system.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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