Definition of evidentnext
1
2

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 What’s evident from the start, though, is the mix of goofiness and genial weirdness that would become her trademark. Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Both versions of its former self are evident in its present-day design as a luxury hotel. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 And that activism – being a brother’s keeper – was evident in his personal life as well. Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026 Tani Oluwaseyi’s sneaky playmaking abilities were evident through his two assists. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • His death was the first apparent suicide in a San Diego County jail since 2023.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
  • This news signals another apparent blow to any hopes Pitt, 62, has of reconnecting with any, or most, of his children.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Case for buying Unlike with many bad teams, which tend to perform poorly all over the field, this Red Sox team has mostly been kneecapped by one obvious, overwhelming flaw.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • The key to going the extra mile here is to install your curtains a bit higher above the windows than may be obvious.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And Monroe's blonde legacy is so unmistakable that Lady Gaga's platinum pose recalls Monroe because of its evocation of Madonna.
    Rebecca Mead, Allure, 29 May 2026
  • Listing agent Tiegen Boberg of Coldwell Banker Realty said the home’s appeal was unmistakable but specific, the kind of property that doesn’t fit neatly into a typical buyer checklist.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Anything and everything is possible and can be achieved with a trademark, down-to-earth friendliness.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Wherever possible, Arnold shot outside the studio, capturing her subjects going about their everyday lives — a radical approach for celebrity photography at the time.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Investigating active government officials in Mexico is a new strategy for the United States, which in the past refrained from targeting sitting leaders in allied countries with criminal investigations because of the clear political ramifications.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • What Schwartz made clear is that once Cleveland chose Monken, his own decision was already made.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the video, Allie dramatically acted out both sides of the conversation, capturing the feeling of trying to extract a straightforward answer from her mom.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
  • Not Suitable for Work, by contrast, stretches for both satire and straightforward cuddliness.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on evident

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster