seeming 1 of 3

seeming

2 of 3

noun

seeming

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verb

present participle of seem

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent, illusory, and ostensible. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

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 seeming
Adjective
Single digit morning temperatures, windchills below zero and the seeming constant hum of a furnace working overtime to keep indoors temperatures livable. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2023 That said, overall investment in healthcare is really just back to 2019 levels, a seeming regression to the mean after the pandemic spurred investment capital into areas like drug development, telehealth and other parts of the healthcare industry. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023
Noun
The character reveals little with her expressions: a defensive mechanism that’s served her well in service jobs, and as a seeming (though not culpable) co-conspirator in the burglary that landed her husband in jail. Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025 This latest seeming reversal of opinion comes a little more than a month after the governor cozied up to President Trump. Joel Fox, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
The most persuasive people are able to prove their point without seeming manipulative or ill-intended. Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2024 While seeming meager by today’s equipment standards, these supplies were critical for the volunteers. John Laycock, Baltimore Sun, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for seeming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Ten of his 26 Premier League appearances last season were at right-back or left-back.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • On June 24, at the Tight Ends and Friends benefit concert, Swift made a surprise appearance.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • In doing so, their press suffered, looking disjointed.
    Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Brian Cashman, though, is still looking at every option on the table.
    Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But his face was on camera, and law enforcement databases pointed investigators to Abston, the affidavit states.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 20 June 2025
  • As Shildt came marching across the field, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts raced out of his dugout, and the two managers were face to face for a moment before being pulled away from each other.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This might signal that the two are also getting ready for a possible upcoming change.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 22 June 2025
  • The town of Porter is committed to keeping its dispatch center with Chesterton as long as possible.
    Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • His powerful late kick and ability to handle the 1 1/4-mile distance in that race left a lasting impression.
    Jared Welch, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Firm employees gave families the opposite impression, according to stipulation.
    Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Cate mentioned obvious areas of interest such as housing, infrastructure, regulations, taxes and fees, trade and the overall cost of living.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Adding more high-skilled immigrants every year instead of just a one-time increase would have a larger effect.
    Adam A. Millsap, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Typically, if fire restrictions are in place or a Red Flag Day is in effect, no fireworks of any kind are allowed.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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