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
In Kenya, this actuarial approach manifested as weeks spent in a Land Rover, counting herds of zebra with a handheld mechanical tally counter in my right hand and binoculars in my left. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 High schoolers and middle schoolers across the country are sharing social media posts documenting how these internet memes have manifested in their classrooms – and sometimes, how their teachers are using them to guide class discussions. — Owen Carry, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
Rocket Lab is currently the sole launch provider for Synspective and has 16 more missions for the company on its manifest after Wednesday's mission. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The aurora will most likely manifest near the Canadian border, potentially appearing in Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • The scars would have been evident for decades—the backdrop to the events of the 1640s.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Pedroza said that his quarterback’s competitiveness and work ethic were evident from the first freshman year practice.
    — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • When John reveals the Halogram to Kerry (after fair warning), the look on her face is a mix of shock and agony.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Madonna then descended the stairs and removed her coat to reveal a red-and-black corset as dancers lifted her onto a table that rolled around a choir in the audience wearing white veils.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • According to the company, for the new campaign, JC-T embodies the sleeker side of London style, one that’s modern, refined and individual.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • All a novelist can do when representing Bush Two’s accomplices is to embody plausible ideologies in specific fictional characters.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • China is set to release its latest official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index as investors assess the outlook for factory activity, domestic demand and exports amid persistent pressure on the world’s second-largest economy.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Two-thirds of them (61 of 92) beat that index’s monthly record, set in January 1983.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This is why the service is offered at affordable prices to enable startups and growing businesses to benefit from the critical structural elements of a website, such as clear messaging, fast loading time and ease of customer lead generation.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Study equipment access, machine loading, ambient conditions, aisle traffic, connectivity and technician decisions alongside model performance.
    — Mohammed Cherifi, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This change is apparent in the fact that European governments, too, are cutting funding for religious freedom advocacy.
    — Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Ken Urker, the partner of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, made comments about being depressed before being found dead in his Louisiana home from an apparent drug overdose, authorities said.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The real treasures, though, are displayed inside the museum-style glass concierge desk, where artifacts from the original hotel are on loan from the Naples Historical Society.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Schmitt and Klobuchar butt heads Staffers for Schmitt briefly displayed a poster of the text message exchange, but quickly took it down before Smith could read it.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Republican president took to social media Sunday to express his displeasure with the decision.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • These developments follow Anthropic’s call to slow the pace of model development earlier this month — a proposal that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed support for.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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