manifest 1 of 3

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

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

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 region’s North African influences (Tunisia lies just across the coast) are acutely manifest in its cuisine—San Vito Lo Capo hosts an annual couscous festival and chickpea fritters, pistachios, and spices such as saffron and cinnamon feature across many of its restaurants’ menus. Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026 This seems unexceptionable today, when even popular language columnists, such as the Times’ John McWhorter, are manifest descriptivists. Louis Menand, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Verb
Grief can manifest as physical symptoms, such as brain fog, memory loss, stomach upset and fatigue. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 26 Feb. 2026 Or find a way to physically manifest the intensity of an experience that’s been largely psychological or emotional. Maya Silver, Outside, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
There’s this sort of desperation, but how does that manifest in her life for real? Max Gao, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026 The Full Moon in Leo is a divine time to set intentions and manifest. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • That restraint was evident during Iran’s conflict with Israel last year and subsequent US aerial attacks, when China similarly only offered rhetorical support.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The in-demand event planner and lifestyle expert, who’s put on shindigs for celebs like Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, and Matthew McConaughey, has put his own spin on the seven-bedroom manse, evident in touches like a bedroom with textured gold wallpaper and a floral-print laundry room.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The book also reveals the fourth ballot had to be repeated as one cardinal accidentally stuck two ballot papers together.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
  • The network will reveal further details in the coming weeks.
    Staff Author, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • These aren’t the looks that hew closest to the originals, but rather, the ones that best embody their sartorial spirit.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Reinterpretation of minimalism, very well embodied by Jil Sander and the removal of layers at the Prada show.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This is also occurring in a market that has desperately been trying to rebalance away from historic levels of concentration, and as hedge funds are urgently expanding the short side of their portfolios as a means of generating returns from a flattish index.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
  • On Monday, the Institute for Supply Management will release its monthly manufacturing activity index.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Kharg Island has numerous loading berths, jetties, remote mooring points and tens of millions of barrels of crude storage capacity.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The market provides free carry-out services for loading zones and cars parked in the three lots immediately surrounding the grounds.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado February 28, Sacbee.com, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • For almost a year, the Saudis and other key members have been engaged in an apparent push to reclaim market share ceded in recent years to rivals such as US shale drillers.
    Salma El Wardany, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The extraordinary failure, in my opinion and in that of many others, of the responsible agent—the BBC—is now utterly apparent.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Elections Administration voting center map displays the wait times for each party.
    Rachel Royster Updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
  • This content can only be displayed if JavaScript is enabled.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His Health Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, an advocate of healthy eating, has repeatedly expressed his dismay at his boss’s diet.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Paramount’s pressure campaign had been relentless, first winning over theater owners, who expressed alarm over Netflix’s business model that encourages consumers to watch movies in their homes.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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