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noun

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

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 patent
Adjective
But the problems go beyond patents or manufacturing – how medicines are bought are also crucially important. Nahim Bin Zahur, The Conversation, 17 June 2025 Its sole business is patent licensing through litigation and the threat of litigation. Sydney Sasser, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
Noun
Tech companies file patent infringement lawsuits all the time — BlackBerry just sued Facebook for patent infringement last week. Kurt Wagner, Recode, 17 Mar. 2018 The researchers gathered data on how many different provisions of patent law each examiner invoked, on the theory that a more effective examiner would invoke more patent law provisions, on average. Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, 5 Mar. 2018 See All Example Sentences for patent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patent
Adjective
  • Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The harmful consequences to the economy and food supply is obvious.
    Billal Rahman Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 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
  • For a more blatant example of Williams’ dribbling prowess, however, below is one of his goals in a 7-1 win over Real Valladolid in February.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • In the absence of federal laws regulating how copyright protection applies to AI, IT service management company Cloudflare is taking matters into its own hands.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • Suno was one of two AI companies sued last year by major record labels — including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group — which allege that the companies infringed on the labels’ recording copyrights in order to train their music-generating models.
    Natalie Kainz, NBC news, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration has also cut more than $2.6 billion in research grants, ended federal contracts and threatened to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • In March, the school acquiesced to a list of White House demands in a bid to win back $400 million in federal grants that were cancelled over antisemitism at the school.
    Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Birdsong’s apparent beanball came in the exact time and place that the unwritten rules prescribe: two outs, bases empty, first pitch.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 26 June 2025
  • Other Demographic Differences Women’s second fall persistence rate (79.3%) exceeded that of men (76.3%), continuing a trend that’s been apparent for several years.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • That makes him 6-9 in shoes, which is not a particularly glaring difference.
    Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Harrison was a glaring weak link for the Jaguars last season.
    Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • With over 4 million Instagram followers and more than 1.5 million TikTok followers, Paige Spiranac's dress style has practically become her trademark.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Trump, however, should employ his trademark willingness to say out loud what others are thinking but not dare say, and acknowledge a simple truth: NATO membership for Ukraine is unattainable.
    Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Stripe quietly maintains half a dozen partner banks across continents; Adyen splits deposits between its European and U.S. charters so funds never cross jurisdictions.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The water utility was created under the Denver charter but operates as an independent agency, with its board members appointed to staggered terms by the mayor.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Patent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patent. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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