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patent

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adjective

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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
Noun
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
Adjective
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
Noun
  • The order sought to preserve potential evidence in a copyright infringement lawsuit raised by news organizations.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025
  • These annotations track shot type, asset source, and other variables across the timeline, which is critical to copyright protection.
    Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Its grant cancellations are being challenged in court.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s administration is planning to cut federal funding for research and has already canceled or paused hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to Northwestern faculty.
    Luis A. Nunes Amaral, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • But before checking for ripeness, start by inspecting the pineapple for any obvious signs of damage or spoilage, including bruising, soft spots, wrinkled skin, or dry, brown leaves.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
  • This is an obvious chips-in move for them after their half-court offense face-planted against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Never in 250 years has any U.S. president needed such a blatant and expensive birthday parade.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
  • Amid blatant insults to servicemen and veterans, President Trump's approval remains relatively high, with most Americans agreeing with his immigration policies.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 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
  • With NetJets and charters, however, passengers remain anonymous so their movements can't be tracked.
    Robert Frank, CNBC, 20 June 2025
  • The department noted that Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv remains closed, and there are no commercial or charter flights operating from there.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 20 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

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Cite this Entry

“Patent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patent. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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