evident

adjective

ˈe-və-dənt How to pronounce evident (audio)
Definition of evidentnext
1
as in apparent
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed the evident cause of the accident was icy road conditions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation the man was discovered dead in his apartment, but there were no evident signs of foul play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective evident contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of evident are apparent, clear, distinct, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

How do apparent and evident relate to one another?

Apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When can clear be used instead of evident?

The meanings of clear and evident largely overlap; however, clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When would distinct be a good substitute for evident?

The words distinct and evident can be used in similar contexts, but distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When could manifest be used to replace evident?

In some situations, the words manifest and evident are roughly equivalent. However, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

In what contexts can obvious take the place of evident?

While the synonyms obvious and evident are close in meaning, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When might patent be a better fit than evident?

While in some cases nearly identical to evident, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to evident?

Although the words plain and evident have much in common, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

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 evident The talent gap was evident early, as the Knicks jumped out to a 24-12 lead and maintained a comfortable double-digit cushion for most of the second and third quarters. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025 China’s role as an economic powerhouse is particularly evident through the lens of the global gold market, in which the nation plays a substantial role. —Kat Tretina, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 In the second 45 minutes, his output came across the front line but to little effect as Fulham’s organisation prevented him executing telling passes and his frustration became evident. —Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 With every day that passes the BBC’s failures of impartiality are becoming more and more evident. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
  1. apparent
  2. obvious
  3. unmistakable
  4. possible
  5. clear
  6. straightforward
  7. distinct
Adjective
  • It’s been apparent in the last several years that the number of corporate CMOs is going down.
    — Megan Poinski, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • That danger was apparent when formaldehyde in plywood used to build temporary trailer homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina sickened dozens of people.
    — Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • But Heffernan's greatest sustainability goal is obvious: keeping this landmark preserved for future generations.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Doohan faces Colapinto questions There were two obvious topics facing Alpine drivers Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly.
    — Luke Smith, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • The entire capsule collection features quirky touches evocative of Johnson’s idiosyncratic and unmistakable approach to fashion.
    — Julia Teti, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025
  • And so the passion that the Japanese fans have for the game of baseball (was unmistakable).
    — Jayson Stark, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • To build up those fibers, eat some protein as soon as possible after a workout, says Jeremy Ford, a sports dietitian and nutritionist at the University of South Carolina.
    — Margaret Cirino, NPR, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Lift one leg to the side, trying to keep your body as still as possible.
    — Hilary Achauer, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • The clear back lets the iPad's design come through, and while the display cover can fold into the same two viewing angles, covering the screen actually puts it to sleep here.
    — Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025
  • This retrograde encouraged you to make clear and complete requests so agreements kept you and others in clarity.
    — Colin Bedell, Them, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • Yes, the story is straightforward, but the answers are not.
    — David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The journey to becoming one of basketball’s elite players wasn’t always straightforward for Gray.
    — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • Resisting the label of fusion, Twitty describes the dish as an homage to flavors that highlights the intersections between distinct culinary traditions.
    — Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
  • This is classic mosaic evolution, where different parts of the anatomy evolve at distinct rates.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of distinct

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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