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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apparent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of apparent are clear, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When is it sensible to use clear instead of apparent?

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

a clear explanation

In what contexts can distinct take the place of apparent?

While in some cases nearly identical to apparent, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When might evident be a better fit than apparent?

While the synonyms evident and apparent are close in meaning, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When can manifest be used instead of apparent?

The words manifest and apparent can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to apparent?

Although the words obvious and apparent have much in common, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When would patent be a good substitute for apparent?

In some situations, the words patent and apparent are roughly equivalent. However, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When is plain a more appropriate choice than apparent?

The words plain and apparent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 apparent Though not an official statement, the posts indicate an apparent preference for closing her chapter with competitive gymnastics. Caroline Price, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 According to Mail Online’s insiders, Kelce’s apparent distress has nothing to do with relationship troubles and everything to do with trying to protect Swift during what’s turning into a perfect storm of personal drama. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025 The governor's apparent efforts to realign with Trump—his former ally and 2024 Republican primary rival—come amid speculation that DeSantis is preparing for a potential 2028 White House bid, or hoping to launch first lady Casey DeSantis' own political ambitions. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 Elvia Anaya, administrative specialist at Omni Laundry, told Rivet that the upsides of producing in L.A. are readily apparent. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apparent
Adjective
  • The lunation will be visible in various locations with slight visibility across sections of North America, Europe, Africa, northern Asia, small parts of South America, Greenland, Iceland and the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, per NASA.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • On Saturday, March 29, 2025, a deep partial solar eclipse will be visible across the Northern Hemisphere.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Find the right dog kennel site This may seem obvious, but good site selection can mean the difference between a single workday and an entire holiday weekend.
    Patrick Brady, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The crony character of protectionism becomes obvious when examining the labyrinthine incoherence of U.S. trade policy.
    David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Citing the sheriff's office, WESH reported that deputies initially responded to a report of a possible shooting at the couple's home in Orlo Vista, just west of Orlando, at around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Russian troops often carve that backs off their assault cars’ cabs in order to facilitate a quick exit, so there was nothing but a possible thin screen to stop an FPV that barreled toward the anti-tank mine resting in the back of one idling Lada.
    David Axe, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Yet there were no noticeable MAGA hats at Edwards’ town hall.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That much was evident in the latest meeting as both sets of players gave everything to try to get one over the other in what has become a rivalry for the ages.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The Conrad’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in its daily operations.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Emilia Pérez’s turnout in particular was a fall from seeming dominance, perhaps precipitated by Gascón’s controversy.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
  • That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Test out various methods to influence your auditory and visual environment.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • When Nintendo finally officially revealed the Switch 2 in January, one of our major unanswered questions concerned whether games designed for the original Switch would see some form of visual or performance enhancement when running on the backward-compatible Switch 2.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In an age of standardized luxury, the resort stands apart – a testament to the power of family, the beauty of authentic hospitality and the unmistakable excellence that comes from a deep love of place and people.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Broadcast’s reach advantage is north of 20 million homes; toss a rage-bait draw like the Blue Devils into the mix and last year’s results are going to take on the unmistakable contours of a fluke.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apparent. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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