manifest 1 of 3

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
SpaceX currently has about 8,000 Starlink satellites aloft, and removing a few launches from the manifest this year wasn’t seen as a show-stopping problem, the people said. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025 The societal norms imposed on women in the early 20th century manifest in Matilde’s worries about what those around them might think about Frida’s unconventional behavior and professional aspirations. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
That deep experience was manifest in Wednesday’s performance. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025 The arbitrator's award is usually final since the courts may only review an arbitration award for some very serious error, sometimes known as manifest error, such as where the arbitration process in a particular case was corrupt or if the arbitrator exceeds his or her authority. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Noun
The specialty retailer’s chief financial officer, Robert Ball, said Abercrombie has seen about $5 million in adverse impact from tariffs during the second quarter, chiefly manifested in the cost of sales, and expects $90 million net impact from tariffs for the year. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025 There were reports of a possible last-minute deal on Wednesday, but a resolution didn’t manifest before lawmakers adjourned for the special session. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • Still, sometimes the heat is impossible to ignore — evident in the small sweat stains on Dinkel’s blue collared shirt.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The football landscape has changed 20 years on, and 10 new signings show United wanted to change the squad, but there is evident faith in retaining the nucleus of Farke’s 2025 centurions.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But a butt dial revealed the truth about what actually happened, the complaint alleges.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Alongside this, large-scale genetic studies have revealed sweeping changes in the human brain that are not seen in other mammals.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Even rich gentrifiers embody both use and exchange values.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Increasingly dismayed, Dudek hatched a plan that seemed to embody his mix of good intentions, hubris and melodrama.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • According to Arya, the index allows investors to track a very different opportunity than what is captured in major benchmarks.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • To formulate a comprehensive ESG index, multiple Key Performance Indicators were collected.
    TIME Staff, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Beyond sports-specific performance metrics, biomechanics research has long shown that altering the properties of playing surfaces changes muscle stiffness, joint loading and range of motion.
    Michael Hales, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Free reMarkable mobile and desktop apps allow for loading in notes and documents needed for the coming work day.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The second series investigates deaths involving apparent falls from heights — examining whether victims were pushed from locations like balconies, cliffs and bridges.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The consequences of the current fracturing may not be apparent right away.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The service will display the activities of not just stock traders, but also of those trading crypto, options and other assets.
    Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This happened in Rhode Island, where a Tesla owner was allowed to display a vanity plate reading FKGAS.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Regardless of where the fans stand, Williams likes to express himself in that way.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Canadian Pacific Kansas City de Mexico, the railway, expressed its condolences to the victims' families and called on drivers to respect road signs and stop orders at railroad crossings.
    Lizbeth Diaz, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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