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 There was no evident friction in the relationship between Linda Pinto and Epstein following Alberto’s passing. Adam Robb, Curbed, 3 Mar. 2026 For now, one of the most evident impacts on the economy has been a surge in gasoline prices. ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026 The same trends are evident in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Pat Maio, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026 Flanigan’s love for fabrics is evident in the collection. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • And yet what’s readily apparent is that this weird, fragile, insular family is genuinely keen on folding Tommy into their lives.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Officers then began taking apart the tank, which was not factory standard, and discovered the woman lying in a puddle of gasoline, appearing disoriented and suffering from apparent chemical burns to her legs and feet; she was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation, treated and quickly released.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Add to the Compost Pile Sending banana peels to the compost bin is the easiest—and perhaps most obvious—way to use them.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Targets at safety It’s become obvious that this year’s safety draft class has the chance to produce a good amount of quality starters.
    Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Nine total jawbones emerged over time, each displaying that same unmistakable twist.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
  • But no matter the sub that fired the torpedo, the historical significance is unmistakable.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Prosecutor Edward Robert Campbell told the state television program on Friday the accused faced a host of possible charges including crimes associated with terrorist acts.
    Reuters 9 hr ago, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Though the conversation didn't quite reach any actionable solutions beyond what has been discussed as already in progress, like Rawls' work, there was one clear message potently felt across the room — one of urgency.
    Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The WhatsApp logs show Carvajal deleted a total 14 messages sent by other participants in the chat and 42 of his own messages before the Herald obtained the logs, so the full extent of his participation is not clear.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Also, the device parts are affordable and straightforward.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The treatments are straightforward—body scrubs, massages, facials in any combination.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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