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
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
The pair walked onto the festival’s mainstage hand-in-hand, a seeming necessity given that Sia’s signature black and blonde wig was covering her eyes. Katie Bain, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2025 In the meantime, the film’s tension ratchets up strongly as mysterious phenomena begin occurring — from the family dog going missing to the woman in black seeming to sit closer and closer to the house with every sighting to her surprising reaction when Taylor threatens her with a shotgun. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 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
  • Despite some apparent limitations in the group, there’s a dual purpose to their playing time.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025
  • On their way home to Melbourne, Cave claims their meal at a local pub was interrupted by an apparent interaction with Cage.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Stamp of approval from one first lady to another First lady Melania Trump made a rare public appearance at the White House on Thursday to unveil a new US postage stamp of Barbara Bush.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
  • That December, the Saturday Night actor made another appearance on her Instagram feed in a sweet video of him kissing her cheek in front of a Christmas tree.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 9 May 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
  • Pamela Anderson is baring it all about going bare face.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Both Bell and her daughter — whose face Shepard kept private — wore white T-shirts, black pants, white Converse sneakers and denim button-up shirts.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The question the film ultimately asks is whether a third way is at all possible, leading to a gripping final combat that’s much less a knockout than a bitter victory.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • But before the summer was over, the other hero of the tale would prove to be the reconciliation process that was making the legislative win possible — a process with its origins in quite a different era of relations between Congress and the president.
    Ron Elving, NPR, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • This tiny percentage creates 9 billion impressions in the LinkedIn feed every week.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Although a few mega-hits such as China’s Nezha 2 and Thailand’s How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies gives the impression that all is well – the truth is that box office recovery has been slow or uneven across most territories.
    Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The lesson is obvious for investors: always consider control systems.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • That was all too obvious within minutes of his final home game of the season coming to an end on Friday night.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • That could lead the Fed to keep rates elevated until the duties – and their effects on consumption, business outlays and hiring – drive unemployment to about 4.7% by next year, the research firm said.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Powder Overload For that soft, glowy effect, Paige relies on cream blushes and radiant finishes.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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