Definition of manifestnext

manifest

2 of 3

verb

manifest

3 of 3

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective manifest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manifest are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of manifest?

Apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When could clear be used to replace manifest?

The words clear and manifest can be used in similar contexts, but clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

In what contexts can distinct take the place of manifest?

The meanings of distinct and manifest largely overlap; however, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When might evident be a better fit than manifest?

While in some cases nearly identical to manifest, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to manifest?

While the synonyms obvious and manifest 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 can patent be used instead of manifest?

The words patent and manifest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When is plain a more appropriate choice than manifest?

Although the words plain and manifest 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 manifest
Adjective
That contrast was also manifest in the relative outcomes; the White House only belatedly announced deals for the sale of 200 Boeing jets and at least $17 billion of American agricultural products annually to China through 2028. Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 May 2026 Part of what makes this season so compelling is that Ohtani has made his desires so manifest. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 19 May 2026
Verb
This has manifested in a few different ways, from classically sleek loafer styles in more pliable fabrics to a hybrid that looks like a cross between boat shoes and moccasins. Mayte Salido, Glamour, 8 Sep. 2026 In perhaps the coolest reversal in the show thus far, the Lanterns are attacked with guns that produce darkness, which manifests here as smoke but prevents them from seeing or creating light constructs. Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
Improved sleep, stronger recovery, and greater physical resilience manifest as sharper judgment in the boardroom, steadier decisions under pressure, and a leader who remains resilient. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 The excitement could continue to grow if NASA can maintain its aspirational mission manifest of 79 launches and 73 lunar landings between now and 2036. Clive Neal, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • That was evident this month at the United Nations when a General Assembly vote endorsed a map with a different way of looking at the world than has more commonly been used.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • According to Espinoza, Dwabe’s love for others was evident early on.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • If a soil test reveals a lack of nutrients, add a slow-release granular fertilizer to fuel your garlic’s growth.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2026
  • A little space could reveal what actually needs fixing and what simply needs to settle.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, pumpkin bread is one of those comforting treats that embodies the season for me.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The rapidly approaching future and vanishing past are all around her, which Horgan embodies beautifully in a brief but wrenching scene when Ruari first leaves for school.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Another option for you is to maintain an equity portfolio based on several index funds which have a very good history and a low average annual fee.
    Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Pokémon card prices have surged 1,350% since 2020, according to an index compiled by Collectors, which owns card grading agency Professional Sports Authenticator, CNBC previously reported.
    Jenny Lee, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Sports stars, celebrities and business heavyweights could enter from an interior loading dock area to a blue carpet backstage, allowing access into the club without having to navigate the crowds.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The White House announced Arcade on social media with a series of animations parodying Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo loading screens.
    Lou Kesten, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Moselakgomo was the fifth woman found dead in the apparent series of killings.
    Rael Ombuor The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Brown broke off a 32-yard run and suffered an apparent leg injury.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Defensively, Lombard has looked more than capable, displaying a strong arm, good range and smooth actions.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • American flag is seen displayed at the Time Square in New York City, United States.
    Matt Peterson, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Artificial intelligence developers are expressing alarm that AI could destroy humanity in the next few years, and industry leaders are calling for a slowdown in its development.
    Joel Mathis, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
  • At the blue red carpet rollout last week, the actress, known for portraying Olivia Benson in the NBC franchise, expressed excitement to do something different from her longstanding work on the show.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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