manifest 1 of 3

Definition of manifestnext

manifest

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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
But in the scene where Willy asks for a job in town, not schlepping every week to New England, all the fears of the older worker are manifest. Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026 Like Jacobs, Coppola is highly invested in fashion, an interest that is manifest in her work. Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
Following his ouster, Sunnis were the most impacted by purges of public institutions, generating resentment and a feeling of disenfranchisement that in some cases manifested in the rise of Sunni extremist groups. ABC News, 4 May 2026 Although charity shops are littered with modern castoffs—think melamine plates and small appliances—a trip can also manifest fabulous decor items to accent your home. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
Noun
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 The airline confirmed the incident and said a preliminary manifest listed 72 passengers and four crew members on board at the time of the collision. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • While the ramifications are currently most evident in Asia, Neumann said that as manufacturing and consumer sentiment decline, that is likely to spill over into other economies that rely on the region for trade.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
  • That cost was evident in financial markets on Tuesday, with the interest rate charged on British government bonds up by more than those of comparable nations — that shows that investors are putting a higher price on taking on government debt.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • The necropsies also revealed pneumonia and infections from a broad array of pathogens.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
  • Strout indicates that their potential will be fulfilled in short, jump-ahead passages — one of the passages reveals that Artie inspires an awkward girl named Rhonda to help other people by becoming a minister.
    Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, in Winding Refn’s futuristic thriller, Calva embodies a famous actor within the film’s universe who crosses paths with the protagonist, played by Sophie Thatcher.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • And Park Chan-wook embodies the universality of cinema.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed across Europe and Asia.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
  • Macdonald cited the index's energy and mining stocks, financial services and pharma stocks.
    Michael Considine, CNBC, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The company’s chief executive said Sunday that inspections found no evidence of leaks from storage tanks, pipelines, loading facilities or nearby tankers.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
  • The sensor delivered repeatable measurements with low hysteresis, meaning readings stayed consistent during loading and unloading cycles.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The apparent bear attack took place nearly three decades after the last deadly bear attack in Glacier National Park occurred in 1998 in the Two Medicine Valley.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
  • But their apparent domestic paradise was thrown into disarray when Betty began to suspect her husband was having an affair with his younger office assistant, Linda Kolkena.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • There are other variables, too, like the inclusion of summer 2025 signing Florian Wirtz and how his arrival has altered the team’s balance, and how opponents have figured out how to nullify the threat of Ryan Gravenberch after his standout displays in the 2024-25 title-winning season.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Perry, dressed in a white robe, emotionally reacts to Groban's engagement in the video, which is displayed in the background with a news article screenshot.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Trump has gone back and forth over whether the war will end, at times expressing optimism and at other times saying Russia and Ukraine should be left to fight it out to the bitter end.
    Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Her students have more trouble controlling their bodies and expressing their feelings.
    Stacker, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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