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 Martinez’s growth quickly became evident in his second stint with the ACL Giants. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 May 2026 Gender-bending was evident and many looks turned heads, like Jared Leto's interpretation of Alessandro Michele's world of Gucci. Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 4 May 2026 That pattern is evident in how some of the County’s most critical challenges are being managed. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 2026 Granular insights That shift in emphasis was evident throughout the Q&A session, where Abel leaned into detailed discussions of Berkshire’s subsidiaries, a level of specificity that resonated with shareholders seeking reassurance about execution under new leadership. Yun Li,sarah Min, CNBC, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • Jayson Tatum also suffered an apparent calf injury, which is a major concern for a player just under a year removed from an Achilles injury.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 2 May 2026
  • Upon arrival, officers discovered a man in his 20s with apparent gunshot wounds.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Besides their obvious beauty, wicker baskets are superior for storage (especially laundry), providing excellent ventilation that prevents mold and mildew from damaging your linens.
    Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
  • Driving through this area of the West Bank, east of Ramallah, the expansion is obvious from the main roads.
    Molly Hunter, NBC news, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But, rewatching the film 20 years later (March 31 was the actual anniversary), Gunn's fingerprints are unmistakable, from the highly quotable dialogue to the quirky soundtrack lifted from the outer reaches of Gunn's eclectic music collection.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 May 2026
  • In Moby Dick, Wilson cleaves to the story’s central existential quest, evoking the strangeness and humor of his source material through his own unmistakable landscapes.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The company has raced to buy as much computing power as possible, making $600 billion in spending commitments last year.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Determined to rise to the occasion and work out every possible kink, Daisy sets out to resolve conflicts between the stews and in the galley.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His condition was not immediately clear.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026
  • Set one clear priority and start there.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The answer is fairly straightforward.
    Gene Ludwig, Fortune, 6 May 2026
  • The rules surrounding joint accounts and debt collection aren't always straightforward, either.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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