Synonyms of patent

patent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpa-tᵊnt 

1

as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation

unfortunately, the patent stupidity of the proposal did not deter the city council from putting it up for a vote

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obvious
• apparent
• evident
• unmistakable
• clear
• straightforward
• distinct
• broad
• transparent
• bright-line
• simple
• plain
• unequivocal
• manifest
• decided
• crystal clear
• ringing
• clear-cut
• unambiguous
• visible
• luminous
• lucid
• open-and-shut
• bald
• pellucid
• perspicuous
• barefaced
• palpable
• explicit
• nonambiguous
• tangible
• noticeable
• bald-faced
• unambivalent
• intelligible
• understandable
• comprehensible
• luculent
• cognizable
• knowable
• recognizable
• uncomplicated
• overt
• cognoscible
• appreciable
• black-and-white
• self-evident
• sensible
• tidy
• perceptible
• clean-cut
• observable
• undisguised
• digestible
• discernible
• self-explanatory
• discernable
• comprehendible
• graspable
• trenchant
• readable
• fathomable
• legible
• clean
• decipherable
• well-defined
• fair

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ambiguous
• obscure
• mysterious
• dark
• unclear
• cryptic
• indistinct
• enigmatic
• equivocal
• nonobvious
• clouded
• incomprehensible
• unintelligible
• unknowable
• indecipherable
• unfathomable
• gray
• enigmatical
• grey
• imperceptible
• vague
• indefinite
• unclarified
• subtle
• obfuscated
• unapparent
• indeterminate
• sketchy
• impalpable
• slippery
• inappreciable
• nebulous
• imprecise
• insensible
• noncommittal
• cloudy
• hazy
• misty
• illegible
• murky
• gauzy
• indiscernible
• unreadable
• undecipherable

2

as in blatant

very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad

a patent error that should have been caught before the book was published

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blatant
• obvious
• glaring
• gross
• striking
• conspicuous
• flagrant
• pronounced
• egregious
• outstanding
• distinct
• rank
• clear
• notable
• noticeable
• sheer
• salient
• terrible
• prominent
• marked
• remarkable
• outright
• plain
• dramatic
• evident
• showy
• emphatic
• monstrous
• utter
• absolute
• visible
• eye-catching
• detectable
• outrageous
• perceptible
• arrant
• arresting
• shocking
• splashy
• discernible
• downright
• out-and-out
• discernable
• heinous
• observable
• preposterous
• shameful
• deplorable
• stark
• awful
• abominable
• atrocious
• lousy
• execrable
• wretched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inconspicuous
• imperceptible
• trivial
• unobtrusive
• small
• insignificant
• slight
• trifling
• inconsequential
• invisible
• hidden
• inconsiderable
• concealed
• unnoticeable

patent

2 of 2

noun

1

as in copyright

Related Words

• copyright
• trademark
• brand
• trade name
• brand name
• label
• stamp
• logo
• emblem
• imprint
• hallmark
• service mark
• collective mark
• mark

2

as in grant

Related Words

• grant
• charter
• exemption
• immunity
• prerogative
• waiver
• birthright
• perquisite
• claim
• entitlement
• right
• privilege
• concession
• apanage
• courtesy
• boon
• appanage
• honor

Dissimilar Words

• duty
• responsibility
• obligation
• burden

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective patent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of patent are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

How are the words apparent and evident related as synonyms of patent?

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

for no apparent reason

When would clear be a good substitute for patent?

In some situations, the words clear and patent are roughly equivalent. However, clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When can distinct be used instead of patent?

The words distinct and patent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

Where would evident be a reasonable alternative to patent?

The synonyms evident and patent are sometimes interchangeable, but evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When is it sensible to use manifest instead of patent?

The words manifest and patent can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

When could obvious be used to replace patent?

The meanings of obvious and patent largely overlap; however, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When might plain be a better fit than patent?

While the synonyms plain and patent are close in meaning, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of patent

Adjective

However, with a patent in hand, everything changes. —Kenneth Braithwaite, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025

Her research has shown that lynchings depressed the rate of patent applications by Black Americans, which could have otherwise contributed to innovation and economic growth. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 26 Aug. 2025

Noun

The caveat that Edison filed in 1890 was the latest in a long line of pre-patent applications. —Nat Segnit, Harper’s Magazine , 16 Mar. 2022

Tech companies file patent infringement lawsuits all the time — BlackBerry just sued Facebook for patent infringement last week. —Kurt Wagner, Recode, 17 Mar. 2018