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
• plausible
• prima facie
• likely
• ostensive
• superficial
• visible
• distinct
• outward
• demonstrable
• external
• conceivable
• manifest
• supposable
• illusory
• imaginary
• deceptive
• misleading
• purported
• delusive
• illusive
• specious
• clear
• feigned
• claimed
• plain
• professed
• delusory
• pseudo
• phoney
• 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
• outward
• semblance
• name
• first blush
• guise
• implication
• resemblance
• pretense
• suggestion
• air
• hint
• display
• likeness
• insinuation
• pretence
• affectation
• pose
• representation
• demonstration
• imitation
• surface
• cloak
• image
• mask
• fiction
• simulation
• facade
• disguise
• masquerade
• front
• shape
• exterior
• façade
• veneer
• gloss
• make-belief
• 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

But, over the decades, this seeming weakness would prove to be Jump’s advantage. —Matt Alt, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

Many pro-Trump voices seem to have taken the bait with a seeming lack of self-awareness. —Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025

Noun

The Bay State will attempt to bridge the economic divide caused by the federal government’s sudden seeming aversion to paying for scientific research with research funding of its own, Gov. Maura Healey said while announcing new legislation. —Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 31 July 2025

Still, the chain isn’t firmly focused on collectibles, with management seeming intent on recapturing its meme stock mojo. —Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 24 June 2025

Verb

Volcanic-seeming black rock lines a catacomblike stairway, punctuated by a single glass window framing a lone Calder. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

Some resign themselves to it; others try, with seeming desperation, to stay relevant or, worse, edgy. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025