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 Their performance advantage becomes even more evident under distribution shifts, when real-world scenarios differ from training environments. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026 No time is that more evident than with the therapy monologue that Dudley delivers while recounting her initial hookup with Brian (Pucci) from another planet. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026 That reclamation is especially evident in what’s missing. Tomás Mier, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026 That closeness of their friendship was also evident earlier this month when allegations against Swalwell gained traction on social media. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • That said, the presence of companies concerned with defense, security, and sensitive radar systems among the apparent ultimate targets raises obvious red flags.
    Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The following year, Salling died at age 35 of an apparent suicide.
    James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Make kind choices and keep boundaries obvious.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2026
  • That said, the presence of companies concerned with defense, security, and sensitive radar systems among the apparent ultimate targets raises obvious red flags.
    Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • So the movement upward here is unmistakable.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Now, as temperatures rise, so too does the unmistakable presence of Eau Splendide.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Few details have been released, but Miami Fire told CBS News Miami that crews were called to the corner of 9th Street and South Miami Avenue in Brickell after getting reports of a possible overdose of a 20-year-old man.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • After the flight crew allegedly requested an onboard doctor, a physician-passenger advised that due to the severity of the burns and their proximity to her genitals, AC should be transported to an urgent care facility as soon as possible, the complaint says.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But there seems to be a clear increase in the number of ticks out there.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Share a clear plan, and invite real input.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For Shaina Wilkins, justice is straightforward.
    Ash-har Quraishi, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • This straightforward set-up lays the groundwork for a moving, and often anxiety-inducing, investigation of language, empathy, and miscommunication.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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