seeming 1 of 3

seeming

2 of 3

noun

seeming

3 of 3

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
Single digit morning temperatures, windchills below zero and the seeming constant hum of a furnace working overtime to keep indoors temperatures livable. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2023 That said, overall investment in healthcare is really just back to 2019 levels, a seeming regression to the mean after the pandemic spurred investment capital into areas like drug development, telehealth and other parts of the healthcare industry. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023
Noun
Unlike most horror properties, there’s no big baddie (à la Jason Voorhees or Leatherface) — or at least not one capable of getting old and seeming played out. Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Indeed, the silence and seeming condonation grow more marked as the years go by. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
The most persuasive people are able to prove their point without seeming manipulative or ill-intended. Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2024 While seeming meager by today’s equipment standards, these supplies were critical for the volunteers. John Laycock, Baltimore Sun, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for seeming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming
Adjective
  • Separately, Russia’s transport minister was found dead in what authorities said was an apparent suicide — news that broke hours after the Kremlin announced he had been dismissed by Putin.
    Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • The disconnect is apparent: students want to build careers around emerging technology, but traditional education isn’t teaching them how.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Roebuck made one further appearance for Barcelona against Levante in February but did not feature again for the club.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Stephenson has thrown just one inning as a member of the Angels, hurting himself in his second appearance back from Tommy John surgery on May 30.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • In doing so, their press suffered, looking disjointed.
    Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Brian Cashman, though, is still looking at every option on the table.
    Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The two come face to face in the villa, three years after Clayton dumped Rachel in the season 26 finale of the ABC series.
    Joelle Goldstein, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • And When an Israeli asks for coffee, serve him a coffee, beside a stencil of a scalding cup hitting a face.
    Guy Ben-Aharon, The Atlantic, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This new licensing platform expands our ability to reach and engage our fan community on Roblox in the deepest way possible – by working directly with them!
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 15 July 2025
  • Curiously, there was no representative from Prince William and Kate Middleton in the talks, and reports indicate the two are approaching the possible reconciliation carefully.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Some design choices, however, amplify the impression of tight quarters.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • Any foot impressions left in the shoes could be used to model the feet of the original wearers.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Closures went into effect for select waterways on Sunday, July 12 and, as of July 18, remained in effect until further notice, Linda Veress, a spokesperson for the NPS, told USA TODAY.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • Weather certainly has its effects on mental and emotional health.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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