seeming 1 of 3

seeming

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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
We’re simply left alone with an addict and his feelings—or, occasionally, his seeming lack of them. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 A lot of it was the distance that I was afforded, the seeming distance that I was afforded. Ed Meza, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
And then there’s Bigelow’s seeming return to Zero Dark Thirty terrain with an ensemble piece about an impending missile strike on America. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025 Flaming weapons, glass boats, and a chariot pulled by flying scarabs make their way into the picture, as well as a seeming mandate that none of the performers wear too much in the way of clothes. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
According to a news release, the district took advantage of low interest rates due to the Federal Reserve’s seeming commitment to lower borrowing rates and due to the ongoing employment uncertainty. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2025 When the Creature comes astonishingly to life, though not exactly as planned, Victor is entranced for all of about five minutes before seeming to lose interest. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seeming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming
Adjective
  • Prince Harry apologized for his apparent support of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2025 World Series.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Watson, in an apparent spur-of-the-moment remark, announced that the project would devote 3 to 5 percent of its budget to the study of bioethics.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • First-team appearances came in the National League Cup ties against the under-21 side of Leeds United from the Premier League and second-division Middlesbrough, and dual-registration rules allowed Gjoshe to link up with Bottesford last month.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The Roberts court, unusually obsessed with the Supreme Court’s public reputation and appearance of political interference, might consider such a ruling a way to balance limiting executive power without tanking the broader economy.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The British company Lumie, which specializes in modern-looking light-therapy lamps, recently launched the Lumie Dash ($225), a compact, ten-thousand-lux model that comes in friendly colors like terra-cotta and pistachio.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
  • In the meantime, the day-to-day work is on us—looking at our money honestly, making strategic moves, and refusing to let an unfair system keep us from building something better for ourselves and the next generation.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But special moments in special seasons bloom when least expected, and Cooper smiled in the face of the impossible.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • But in today’s world of digital creators, those seeking fame face competition in a way Khan’s generation never could have imagined.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Mental health and immune response are affected by how animals are feeling—and, as the rash of stereotypies suggests, captive animals are not feeling well.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Though the Raiders’ 30-29 overtime defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars represented progress, given that Las Vegas was coming off one of the most flaccid offensive performances of the 21st century, Sunday’s unhappy ending left those shedding silver-and-black uniforms feeling empty.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • If the court accepts the case, oral arguments could be scheduled for the spring, with a possible decision by June.
    Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Sustained, strong winds are possible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But don’t let the tragic tale color your impression of the Park; during the holidays its annual Christmas at the Falls event transforms the area into one of the merriest and brightest spots around.
    Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Visually, that might not leave much of an impression, but the proximity of a supermoon has an effect on Earth, causing higher tides than normal.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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