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 Nowhere is that more evident than when talk of expanding the Security Council and its permanent members comes up. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 Still the fan frustration was evident Saturday as Norvell was booed in the pregame warmups and the student section was perhaps half full. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026 The founder and designer is a podiatrist, and that’s evident with every step—even (or maybe especially) in this heeled style. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 26 Sep. 2026 The idea of continuing to weave their South American roots into their music is evident. — Cata Balzano, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • This change is apparent in the fact that European governments, too, are cutting funding for religious freedom advocacy.
    — Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Ken Urker, the partner of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, made comments about being depressed before being found dead in his Louisiana home from an apparent drug overdose, authorities said.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Venus in your sign opposes the Moon in your partnership zone, increasing attraction while making differences in comfort, affection, or timing more obvious.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps those ratios seem obvious; just about half the money from a little less than half the screens.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Its bright instrumentation and warm, easygoing rhythm make the track an uplifting addition with an unmistakable sense of place.
    — qygwork, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The show’s combination of a dark family saga and an idyllic tropical setting made the Florida Keys an unmistakable part of the story.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The South's joint chiefs said Saturday the military stepped up surveillance and vigilance for possible further launches from the North and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • As Yemen returns to a level of fighting intensity not seen since the 2022 truce, the civil war has entered a decisive phase, with several possible avenues forward.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Iit was clear that Chiefs fans missed seeing Suamataia and hoped to hear why the Chiefs had made the change to the offensive line for the game between 3-0 teams.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Cutting loose McDaniel would be expensive, too, and there’s no clear successor waiting in the wings.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The beginning of Between Worlds functions as a kind of prelude, offering a straightforward primer on Said.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
  • That makes the result interesting, but also means the run should not be treated as a straightforward test of how well an AI can navigate an unmodified commercial game world.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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