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
To enter this anniversary uncritically — wrapped in flags and the mythology of manifest destiny — is to be bamboozled. — Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 In a sport where just one player can change lives and where a market like theirs should offer a manifest destiny, the team delivered, mostly, pain. — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026
Verb
Some of that suffering appears to have manifested in his approach to work. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 They are all caused by the same bacterium but differ in how the pathogen enters the body and where the infection manifests. — Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 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
  • Adéla is definitely a lover of all things footwear, as evident by her wardrobe choices at Thursday’s event.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Missouri is not just family but the most evident reminder of his family.
    — Sam McDowell October 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Semafor reported in 2023 on extensive, leaked Iranian government communications that revealed Iranian attempts to influence US politics.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • That’s what equity analysts were told Friday morning after Kering revealed the departure of the brand’s star designer Anthony Vaccarello.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This artisan spirit is well-embodied by the return of modern folk, a design philosophy rooted in craftsmanship.
    — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
  • One of the benefits of going to college is to hear adults talk in new, unexpected ways, employing fresh language that embodies the quintessence of an idea or concept.
    — David Shribman, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The case mortality rate is the best index for quantifying care, said the IDF medical specialist.
    — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The broad market's rise lifted some components of the S & P 500 – notably a few energy stocks – into overbought territory, based on the relative strength index (RSI), a momentum indicator that tracks the velocity and size of price changes.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The BetMGM app is slower loading and the bet builder is a little clunky.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • While top-loading machines don’t have as many problems with moldy door seals, letting the drum dry when the machine is not in use is still a good idea.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Trying star is leading The Death of Sherlock Holmes, which fills the gap between the detective’s apparent death at the Reichenbach Falls in 1891 and his reappearance in The Adventure of the Empty House three years later.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Investigators with the city of Douglas, Georgia have released the identities of the five adults killed in an apparent murder-suicide last week.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The absence of a living monarch on our money, or on our travel documents, was not an accident haphazardly arrived at but a declaration of equality meant to be flourished and displayed.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Previously considered an undesirable byproduct, these structures have displayed unusual optical properties, including the ability to polarize, refract, and conduct light in distinctive ways.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Quiet luxury has given way to accessories that make an emotional statement and let clients express their individuality.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The source expressed optimism that the military money would come through but cautioned that it neither had been secured nor guaranteed.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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