manifest 1 of 3

Definition of manifestnext

manifest

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verb

manifest

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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
The entire flywheel of Anonymous is manifest in that movie from the cast to the book all the way through to the end of production. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 8 May 2026 Sometimes a person opens the top of their skull to reach inside; in her painting Threading the Story Through the Eye of a Needle (circa 1974), a hand pulls a line of thread through a pupil, towing two tiny people in a boat, suggesting both sight and an idea made manifest. Nicole Rudick, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
Threats have always been a part of United States history, often manifesting in times of political turmoil or cultural tension. Rund Abdelfatah, NPR, 11 June 2026 The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit In a devastating turn of events, the first night of Primavera got rained out, with a warning of lightning storms that, mercifully, never manifested. Walden Green, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026
Noun
This manifest includes Jack Dawson, played by Constantine Rousouli as an aging twunk who knows how to fill and show off his slim-fit khakis. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026 An Ellis Island manifest, dated April 21, 1906, documents his arrival in the United States, along with his mother and brother. Glenn Kurtz, Time, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • Alpert said the spirit was evident during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when employees and business owners showed up, making deliveries by electric skateboards and tuk-tuks.
    Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 10 June 2026
  • That live sports remains the mitochondria of the legacy TV model was made particularly evident when the final NFL numbers were tallied up at the end of the league’s 2025-26 campaign.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Police have officially concluded their investigation into the death of Hulk Hogan, issuing a 72-page report with additional details that reveal authorities found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
  • The pair announced their engagement in August 2025, and their wedding date was revealed in April.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • These nominees and winners embody the innovation, creativity, and authenticity that are the lifeblood of our industry.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 June 2026
  • The millennial heir If Rob and Michele embody the boomer storyline—build, accumulate, protect—Nick’s life has traced the darkest version of the millennial caricature.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • The top 10 companies in the S&P 500—eight of them essentially tech names—now account for more than 41% of index market cap and 33% of earnings.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 June 2026
  • Nick Wilcox, managing director for discretionary equities at Man Group, echoed that view, noting that Korea's rapid ascent in emerging-market indices has created structural pressures for international investors.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Despite being untrained for the job, surviving Black sailors were ordered to resume ammunition loading weeks later.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
  • The deep water wash or deep fill button is only available on top-loading washers.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • The humor resulting from the combination of apparent authenticity, slick social media editing and a compelling mission has prompted speculation among onlookers about the band's true origin.
    Max Bacall , Tessa Hoyos , Nikos DeGruccio, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
  • The apparent unit of output—a token—is not a stable unit of economic value.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Worked on by architect Julia Morgan for nearly 30 years, the estate, which was never officially finished, includes 165 rooms and 123 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways, where Hearst displayed his impressive art collection.
    Alia Beard Rau, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Stephenson displayed his versatility again in that award-winning debut year, playing in a number of positions across defence and midfield, but has benefited from more stability in this one.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Many expressed indignation that a climate-friendly clothing brand would appear to go after a beloved climate activist.
    Brittany Peterson, Fortune, 12 June 2026
  • Another misleading piece, according to the lawsuit, is it’s expressed intent to eventually eliminate all non-school homestead property taxes, something DeSantis has said is his goal.
    Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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