MANIFEST Synonyms: 237 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

manifest 1 of 3

adjective

ˈma-nə-ˌfest

Definition of manifest

as in evident

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation despite his manifest lack of leadership skills, the shift supervisor managed to keep his position

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

manifest

2 of 3

verb

as in to reveal

to make known (something abstract) through outward signs a frustration that is often manifested by a minor facial tic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to embody

to represent in visible form graduates of the military academies manifest, we hope, the best that this country has to offer

Synonyms & Similar Words

manifest

3 of 3

noun

as in index

Related Words

as in loading

Related Words

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

To enter this anniversary uncritically — wrapped in flags and the mythology of manifest destiny — is to be bamboozled. — Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 In a sport where just one player can change lives and where a market like theirs should offer a manifest destiny, the team delivered, mostly, pain. — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026

Verb

Sometimes that manifests in small ways, such as when media relations staffers cut off a news conference early in the hope of ingratiating themselves to a player. — Stephanie Apstein, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2026 Rather, the momentary absence of superconductivity seemed to allow a pseudogap to manifest. — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Noun

Meanwhile, Kyle and his usual pair of special-forces thugs track down a suspiciously large plane (as in, big enough to fly across the Atlantic) and an equally suspicious flight manifest. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026 The plan was for Diana and Marks to fly with British Airways, which had been alerted that a VIP guest would be on their manifest from London to Milan, and settle in for a two-night stay at the city’s Four Seasons hotel. — Allie Merriam, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest

Adjective

Nowhere is this misperception more evident than in looking at current electoral politics and domestic and foreign policy.

— Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026
Not a whole lot has gone the NC State Wolfpack's way this season, and that was never more evident than after what the Duke Blue Devils did to them on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of evident

Verb

But the midterms revealed a broad backlash against redistricting efforts in the South that were aimed at boosting Republicans and, by extension, reducing Black representation.

— BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
In his acceptance speech, Villeneuve revealed a little about his creative expression, too, and used it as a lead-in to confront the existential crisis imposed by artificial intelligence.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of reveal

Verb

Reaves embodied Doncic in almost every way Sunday, leading the Lakers to a 121-116 win over the Detroit Pistons as Doncic sat out with low back tightness.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
The rooms The resort's rooms embody midcentury British-Caribbean elegance, featuring open interiors, marble bathrooms, and private balconies with beach views.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of embody

Noun

The issuer can call them back after a year if the index is at or above its initial level.

— Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
The air quality index exceeded 350 in several parts of the capital on Monday morning, reaching the severe category and posing significant health risks.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of index

Noun

Foraging there for sumac berries one day, Smith came across a loading dock that had been converted into a retention pond for managing runoff, where frogs were laying eggs as young tadpoles slithered along.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 9 Nov. 2026
The new study did not test whether bone loading extends human life, let alone by an entire decade.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of loading

Adjective

One of the significant developments from Thursday's meeting was the apparent progress toward securing European participation in future negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.

— Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026
Despite the apparent lack of progress, opponents have continued to organize demonstrations against the proposal.

— Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of apparent

Verb

Jax, a tremendous force at 6-0, 260, displays impressive power, strength, and mobility as an agile powerhouse athlete.

— James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Today, the restaurant features drawings and paintings by Curtis Archie, an artist Kneeland met approximately three years ago while looking for artwork to display during Black History Month.

— J.M. Banks November 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of display

Cite this Entry

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“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of manifest

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noun

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