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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 Some of these elements are evident, the legal experts indicated. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 25 June 2025 Researchers found the risk reduction was especially evident among older adults and women. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 What is evident is his interest in Lucy at that wedding, where his brother is the groom. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 June 2025 But for now, signs of prioritization are evident in the administration’s words and actions. Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • Other Demographic Differences Women’s second fall persistence rate (79.3%) exceeded that of men (76.3%), continuing a trend that’s been apparent for several years.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Birdsong’s apparent beanball came in the exact time and place that the unwritten rules prescribe: two outs, bases empty, first pitch.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Cate mentioned obvious areas of interest such as housing, infrastructure, regulations, taxes and fees, trade and the overall cost of living.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • The pattern is unmistakable: just as Enron triggered SOX, AI governance failures will trigger mandatory expertise requirements.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The symbolism of the decision to target this base—the same one that U.S. President Donald Trump visited only two months ago during his tour of Gulf states, and one located in a country that maintains close ties to and shares an offshore gas field with Iran—is unmistakable.
    Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • This might signal that the two are also getting ready for a possible upcoming change.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 22 June 2025
  • The town of Porter is committed to keeping its dispatch center with Chesterton as long as possible.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • This simple, clear shift in communication started to highlight the reality of who was contributing what.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Instead, it must be positioned as a tool to enhance learning and creativity, with clear boundaries to prevent overuse.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • This was a more straightforward implementation than expected.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Photo Credit: Emma Falk Via The Chicago Sky Lee advised the group to be straightforward and authentic and to maximize their time.
    Essence, Essence, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the divergence between the two is fair, its explanation lies elsewhere: Investor valuations and retail prices differ because they are driven by distinct fundamentals and considerations.
    Thibault Adrien, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Regardless of how the Fendi role shakes up, Chavarria is leaving a distinct mark on the global fashion industry.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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