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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 For all their evident overlap, the two marketplaces serve different crowds — even as the boundary between art and design blurs (Basic. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 What’s evident is that Elizabeth shares a disposition with her satirical father. Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025 The show’s international potential may be evident in the fact that German broadcaster ARD, Belgium’s RTL TVI in Belgium and Switzerland’s RTS boarded the project early on. Ed Meza, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025 As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • The second series investigates deaths involving apparent falls from heights — examining whether victims were pushed from locations like balconies, cliffs and bridges.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The consequences of the current fracturing may not be apparent right away.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 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
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But the magnitude of the moment is unmistakable.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • His soulful vocals and unmistakable touch on the Wurlitzer became the heartbeat of the bands' sound.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 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
  • Barrett's clear statement on the 22nd Amendment carries significant weight given her position on the Supreme Court, which would likely be asked to rule on any attempt to circumvent the two-term limit.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Investigators found notebooks filled with hate, violent thoughts and admiration for mass murderers, showing clear signs of deep mental instability.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • How and why the Great North Run has remained and remains relevant is not linear or straightforward.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The logic for this belief is straightforward.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • China’s three distinct tech phases China’s tech success over the past 20 years was really achieved in three phases.
    Rich Karlgaard, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Do a separate soil test for each distinct area of your yard, such as existing or future vegetable gardens, flower beds, and lawns, because the lab recommendations will depend on the type of plants in that area.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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