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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
In that vacuum, religious zealots and cults manifest, nihilism thrives, and families are torn apart. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025 This is made manifest through four sections (two comprising the majority of the book). Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
Both styles were linked with higher burnout, though the effects manifested differently across men and women. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025 For instance, this could manifest as a heated argument that leads to a shocking revelation, or a surprising announcement that suddenly changes everything. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
All three of the boot styles, alongside a product manifest and brand artifacts — all buried in a container designed to withstand the elements, much like its contents. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025 Andrew was listed on a manifest for a May 12, 2000, flight from New Jersey’s Teterboro Airport to West Palm Beach, Fla. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • But Bode's pointed delivery, and the reaction of the crowd, suggested that the comment carried an evident double meaning in the current political climate.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
  • This is evident in their signature programs, such as those that recognize excellence among teachers, coaches, and healthcare workers, as well as initiatives that bring the community together to enjoy great local restaurants on the firm’s tab.
    William Jones, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • When the movie was first announced, it was revealed that Chris Pratt signed on to be the lead.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
  • OpenAI has launched or revealed plans for a social-media app, a web browser, shopping inside ChatGPT, a personal device.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But for the past five years, Durie, a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalist, has been working on a project that’s even bigger than television—a biophilic home that fully embodies his personal vision of sustainable luxury.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Jhené Aiko will receive the Glow Getter Award, which honors women who embody wellness, self-care and purpose.
    Heran Mamo, Billboard, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The index has risen more than 8% this year.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • While the tariffs are designed to encourage domestic manufacturing by making imports more expensive, factory employment has dropped by more than 40,000 jobs since April, while the ISM index of manufacturing activity fell in October for the eighth month in a row.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Most seemed to be triggered by physical exertion—loading sandbags before Hurricane Wilma, for example, or bailing water out of a car owing to Hurricane Floyd.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
  • All the other tenants will have street-level loading access, and delivery trucks will be able to park in the back of the buildings.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Prince Harry apologized for his apparent support of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2025 World Series.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Watson, in an apparent spur-of-the-moment remark, announced that the project would devote 3 to 5 percent of its budget to the study of bioethics.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Not surprisingly, the younger newcomers don’t display quite the same flair yet, but there’s obviously room to grow with a fourth film in the series already announced.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
  • While in his home, the painting was a jewel of his collection, first displayed in his living room, then relocated to his dining room to make room for a large Cubist work by Fernand Léger, according to the art historian Emily Braun, who worked as Lauder’s art advisor for nearly four decades.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Other Party bigwigs expressed disappointment, too, from the progressives Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to the milquetoast Democratic National Committee leader Ken Martin.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
  • But a source familiar with the matter said that Isaacman has expressed an intention to partner with whichever company most quickly produces an astronaut-worthy lunar lander.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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