the obvious
noun
: something that is easy to understand or recognize
You are stating the obvious. Tell me something I don't already know.
Try to look beyond the obvious.
Examples of the obvious in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There was scope here to be a bit more clever and go beyond the obvious, which might have been lost a bit in the film’s bid to do so much at once.
—
David Opie, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025
Not in the obvious literal sense, but by virtue of the fact that the opening minutes of the film reintroduce us to the notion of his daughter, Betty (Liv Tyler), and his deep desire to reconnect with her and right his wrongs.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Yes, the refusal to add the obvious candidates, SMU and San Diego State, early in the purgatory phase is deserving of a top-five position.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025
Robbins: The Lakers, for the obvious reason of obtaining a perennial MVP candidate who is still in his mid-20s.
—J. Robbins, J. Edwards and D. Mayberry, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the obvious 
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.
David Opie, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2025
Not in the obvious literal sense, but by virtue of the fact that the opening minutes of the film reintroduce us to the notion of his daughter, Betty (Liv Tyler), and his deep desire to reconnect with her and right his wrongs.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Yes, the refusal to add the obvious candidates, SMU and San Diego State, early in the purgatory phase is deserving of a top-five position.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025
Robbins: The Lakers, for the obvious reason of obtaining a perennial MVP candidate who is still in his mid-20s.
—J. Robbins, J. Edwards and D. Mayberry, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the obvious
Dictionary Entries Near the obvious
Cite this Entry
“The obvious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20obvious. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share