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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’s evident with the increase of emails to the district, which The Star obtained earlier this year, and requests for transfers that specifically mention the cancer cases. Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025 This was most evident in 2020, 2021and in 2024, where the rallies after clearing the 50-day line all totaled more than 20%. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 7 May 2025 And in a game that hung in the balance until the very end, the toll of that strain was unmistakably evident, with manager Dave Roberts turning to two of his lowest-leverage relievers in two of the night’s most critical sequences. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025 The sense that things could pop up overnight was evident; the swirling copper infinity circles of Infinitus Plaza, completed by Zaha Hadid Architects during the pandemic, were an experiment in green roof and rainwater harvesting systems. Bonnie Tsui, AFAR Media, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • Perhaps more than any other genre, the evolution of punk rock (both in Los Angeles and around the world) is never more apparent than in the age range of bands at music festivals.
    Josh Chesler, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
  • That license is currently set to expire on May 27, but sources indicate it may now be extended by 60 days — an apparent diplomatic concession aimed at easing tensions and fostering future cooperation.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 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
  • Beyond the physical abuse, Cassie endured a steady drumbeat of insidious threats that sent an unmistakable message: the violence could escalate at any moment.
    Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
  • The unmistakable message: in Welch’s House of Representatives, Democratic moderates who think for themselves and question their own party’s orthodoxies are unwelcome.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • The question the film ultimately asks is whether a third way is at all possible, leading to a gripping final combat that’s much less a knockout than a bitter victory.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 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
  • While President Trump’s bold tariff agenda marks a clear departure from the status quo, tariffs alone will not revitalize the American working class.
    Lynn Forester de Rothschild, Time, 11 May 2025
  • Taken together, the studies provide the clearest evidence yet that birds and mammals independently evolved brain regions for complex cognition.
    Yasemin Saplakoglu, Wired News, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Pony Bead Pumpkins Ideal for the autumnal season, this adorable and straightforward seasonal craft uses pipe cleaners and beads to create three-dimensional pumpkins perfect for displaying on the mantle or your Thanksgiving tablescape.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
  • Because the path to parenthood isn't straightforward for everyone, workplaces can transform this journey through supportive policies.
    Cynthia McEwen, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most effective ways to do this is by specializing in client segments with distinct financial needs, values, and life experiences.
    Jason Katz, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • The timber and the distinct design spoke of finality.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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