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
But the seeming split between Newsom and Van Hollen is both smaller than media is playing it, and also the most important question vexing Democrats right now: Do Americans care about the Constitution, or the stock market? Americans largely can’t make up their minds about what worries them most. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 The magic does indeed happen—the wondrous deceptions, the seeming distortions of reality, the sense of strangeness. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 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
  • Ukraine goes into this second round of direct talks bolstered by its apparent destruction of Russian strategic bombers and other crucial air assets.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
  • Wolff did admit that seeing the positives were difficult, aside from the apparent step in tire management.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Mississippi State was making its 41st appearance in the tournament.
    Compiled From Wire Reports, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
  • Her makeup was consistent with recent appearances: a brown smoky eye and a rose-toned lip.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 June 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
  • In the face of rising costs and limited transit options, modern transportation models like peer-to-peer car sharing have become a real lifeline.
    Al Sharpton, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025
  • Her mother found her daughter’s cowardice in the face of strangers a secret disgrace, but Constance also had a father who was happy with her and with their time together, and that likely had been her salvation.
    Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Tracing its fall—and possible revival Once a global manufacturing powerhouse, the United States built its empire on steel, cars, and innovation.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • The Boise City Council approved plan modifications May 13 for a central village green and town center that would include shopping, coffee shops and food spots, including possible food carts in a park area.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • That gives the impression, in the stage production, that Clooney’s Murrow is going toe to toe with the real-life McCarthy.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 June 2025
  • On social media, comments, shares and saves can be more impactful than impressions.
    Andrea Aker, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The alert is in effect until 4:45 p.m. The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches).
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
  • The alert is in effect until 4:45 p.m. The storms are packing penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
    Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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