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

The seeming confirmation that Cyberleek has a full build, likely from 2025, opens the door to the possibility that the story of GTA VI could start being spoiled. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Taken further, if the Portis/Hardaway money had gone to Powell in a non-Portis Heat world, then there would not be quite the same seeming desperation to invest much of the remaining cap cash on a Mavericks buyout with Klay Thompson. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

Noun

Nvidia did not immediately respond to Ars’ request to comment on this seeming tension. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026

The current Police Chief has resisted numerous requests for more robust public reporting of the racial demographics and seeming disproportionalities of HCPD’s traffic stops, arrests and use of force. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026

Verb

Cans, water containers, mattresses and crosses - seeming evidence of the home's former Christian occupants — lay scattered across a dirty room. — Diego Ibarra Sánchez, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026

Indian dark and African dark were a different story altogether, seeming to hold something more sinister. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026