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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obvious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obvious are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of obvious?

Apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than obvious?

The synonyms clear and obvious are sometimes interchangeable, 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 obvious?

While in some cases nearly identical to obvious, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When is it sensible to use evident instead of obvious?

Although the words evident and obvious have much in common, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When might manifest be a better fit than obvious?

The words manifest and obvious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

When would patent be a good substitute for obvious?

While the synonyms patent and obvious are close in meaning, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When could plain be used to replace obvious?

In some situations, the words plain and obvious are roughly equivalent. However, 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 obvious Nothing obvious stood out, but one finding offered a potential clue. Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025 Wood was bleeding and in obvious pain as trainer Mike Vogt trotted onto the ice to treat him. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 For Napier, the other issues became too obvious. Noah White, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025 To her, the choice was obvious. Haley Bemiller, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obvious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obvious
Adjective
  • Washington — New air traffic control audio captures pilots in an apparent struggle to regain control of a private business jet as the plane plunged into woods near Lansing, Michigan on Thursday, killing all three on board.
    Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
  • A lot has happened to the Jeep since American soldiers planted a flag on Iwo Jima, but after 80 years, the family resemblance of today’s Jeep Wrangler to the original is still readily apparent, though contemporary models are thoroughly modern cars.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Many states rallied against this blatant gerrymandering by establishing independent redistricting panels.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • What this means for America Legal experts predict Comey will be acquitted – the evidence is weak and the political interference is blatant.
    Cassandra Burke Robertson, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Hackman was not only a collector but an artist himself, and his approach to collecting mirrors the care, aesthetic sensibility, and discipline evident in his own artistic practice.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Set the Tone at the Front Door The sense of escape is even evident at the front of the house, where a rose plant climbs across the archway and herbs are planted along the gravel driveway.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The bizarre nature of targeting a running back is that the Cowboys have a far more glaring issue on the defensive side of the ball.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • A couple of buckets and a couple of rebounds a quarter with solid defense and a steady presence down low will solidify what was previously Los Angeles’ most glaring weak point.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The production, the rhythm, the message and Langley’s unmistakable voice meld mightily to make this an irresistible track and further cement Langley as one of the genre’s brightest newcomers.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Analyzing over 20 million AI shopping agent conversations revealed an unmistakable pattern.
    Fayez Mohamood, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Access to existing parking lot in question But the situation may not be so clear cut.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Yet much of Mason’s advice is simply about being useful, by delivering facts and opinions in a clear, elegant way.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There is no straightforward answer.
    Michelle Maves, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But viewers looking for a straightforward thriller chronicling the international incident will not find it here.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • What is distinct about NOTUS is its structure.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Arranging furniture to create distinct zones is key.
    Catherine Hong, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obvious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obvious. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obvious

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