Synonyms of seeming

seeming 1 of 3

adjective

as in apparent

appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed

a seeming contradiction that disappeared upon closer analysis of the text

Synonyms & Similar Words

• apparent
• presumed
• possible
• obvious
• probable
• supposed
• evident
• ostensible
• assumed
• putative
• reputed
• alleged
• prima facie
• plausible
• likely
• ostensive
• superficial
• visible
• distinct
• outward
• demonstrable
• external
• conceivable
• manifest
• supposable
• illusory
• imaginary
• misleading
• deceptive
• purported
• delusive
• illusive
• specious
• clear
• feigned
• claimed
• plain
• professed
• delusory
• pseudo
• phony
• fake
• pretended
• faked
• put-on
• so-called

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hidden
• impossible
• unlikely
• improbable
• inconceivable
• real
• actual
• implausible
• inapparent
• sure
• genuine
• valid
• confirmed
• established
• validated
• substantiated
• corroborated
• verified
• authenticated

seeming

2 of 3

noun

ˈsē-miŋ 

as in appearance

outward and often deceptive indication

her altruism is all seeming—she cares only about herself

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appearance
• face
• impression
• effect
• show
• semblance
• name
• outward
• guise
• first blush
• implication
• resemblance
• pretense
• suggestion
• air
• hint
• display
• likeness
• affectation
• pose
• representation
• demonstration
• imitation
• surface
• insinuation
• cloak
• image
• fiction
• mask
• simulation
• facade
• disguise
• front
• masquerade
• shape
• exterior
• veneer
• gloss
• shell
• imposture
• make-believe
• patina
• Potemkin village

seeming

3 of 3

verb

present participle of seem

as in looking

to give the impression of being

I tried to cheer them up because they seemed depressed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• looking
• feeling
• sounding
• appearing
• acting
• making
• pretending
• resembling
• suggesting
• coming off (as)
• implying
• coming across (as)
• recalling
• dissembling
• hinting
• insinuating

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

Recent Examples of seeming

Adjective

In Russia, the seeming end of single-party rule and a brief moment of political competition revived the status of the New Year’s address. —Andrew Fedorov, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025

These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Dec. 2025

Noun

The Statesman asked Williams for clarification on the statement, noting seeming contradictions found in court records, including that a jury found that Eagle Senior Citizens proved its section 1983 claim, a type of civil-rights claim, against the city. —Rose Evans updated December 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 Dec. 2025

Has any series creator ever been as comfortable with long silences, seeming incongruities, or plot elements that only appear to go nowhere? —Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 28 Nov. 2025

Verb

From that day forward, the global economy has been strapped into a rollercoaster of America’s making, with tit-for-tat tariff escalations seeming to break weekly, if not daily. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 26 Dec. 2025

In a video from the incident, Kerr is seen screaming at Green, 35, who in turn yells back in seeming frustration. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025