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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 Iran is a very sophisticated country in terms of nuclear technology, as is obvious. CBS News, 29 June 2025 Over time, the contrast became obvious, even to leadership. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 28 June 2025 The reasons to shop either online or in person are mostly obvious. Julia Forbes, Wired News, 28 June 2025 That connection and warmth was obvious on Friday night, with Cardi blowing past her bedtime to give the gays, the dolls and everyone else an experience beyond what any other NYC festival provides. Joe Lynch, Billboard, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for obvious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obvious
Adjective
  • The apparent docking of the two satellites last week suggests SJ-21 is the target for SJ-25's refueling demonstration, and US officials are watching.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
  • Separately, Russia’s transport minister was found dead in what authorities said was an apparent suicide — news that broke hours after the Kremlin announced he had been dismissed by Putin.
    Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The second half, directed by Angela Barnes, is a messier melange, culminating in a blatant setup for Riri’s next appearance, whether in a Season 2 or some other property.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 25 June 2025
  • Disappearing people to a prison in a country that is not their own, without due process or legal recourse, is a blatant human rights violation.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The relaxation is evident in displays of locals stretched out in the various parks in this very green city, some bordering the Spree, the river that bisects it.
    Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • The club’s communication has not helped, though noticeable strides in transparency have been evident since the saga of Alvarez’s undiagnosed hand fracture.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ayton’s arrival fills the Lakers’ most glaring offseason need.
    Greg Beacham, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 2025
  • Policymakers should focus on developing industries in which the United States faces the most glaring scarcities.
    Damien Ma, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • So now, many Mexicans and Mexican Americans are choosing to be seen in the loudest, most unmistakable way: by wearing their culture on their sleeves—literally.
    Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • The display of might outside was unmistakable, as was the soft power inside the building.
    Andrew J. Campa Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • He’s been clear in his frustration about the team’s struggle for form this year, long brushing off thoughts of retaining his world title.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • The extent of the driver’s injuries were not immediately clear.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • This was a more straightforward implementation than expected.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Photo Credit: Emma Falk Via The Chicago Sky Lee advised the group to be straightforward and authentic and to maximize their time.
    Essence, Essence, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Linkin Park manages to push three distinct projects north on the same chart at the same time, as consumption of the Grammy-winning act’s catalog continues to grow.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Among the graffiti was a drawing of a crying woman with a distinct Flavian period hairstyle, as well as the Greek alphabet.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obvious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obvious. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on obvious

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