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 princess was spotted wearing a gold nautical charm bracelet on her wrist—a seeming nod to the one famously given to her late grandmother Princess Diana by her then-husband Prince Charles after their wedding on July 29, 1981. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 July 2026

The dispute over Key Lime Air The episode began with a routine-seeming request. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 June 2026

Noun

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

For the Bucks, Turner’s comments come off as a dumpster fire that needs to be extinguished as soon as possible, with a seeming advantage for Giannis suitors. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2026

Verb

Usha is adept at seeming uninterested in a future inside the White House. — Kate Andersen Brower, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026

The art market is a tough place to survive these days, with even megagalleries like Gagosian and Pace shuttering locations and cutting loose artists, and every day seeming to bring news of another art gallery calling it quits. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 11 Aug. 2026