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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 Not relegated to the bedroom alone, these fixtures can bring vibrancy to any space—as is evident in the bathroom of this timeless, edgy Massachusetts home. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2025 Their friendship was evident when Luger, despite a WWE Legends contract, attended Sting's AEW retirement match. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 Those two improvements have been the cornerstone of Citron’s senior season, a focus evident in her ability to drive to the rim and muscle through defense at the perimeter. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025 And the poverty which is evident on the streets is reflected in the country’s economic data. Sverre Alvik, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • The advanced lifting technique — which has become a favorite of specialist surgeons for its apparent longer lasting results — not only repositions the top layer of skin (known as an endoscopic facelift) but also the complex network of tissue and fibrous muscles below.
    Leah Dolan, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • No rhyme, reason, or apparent causality except that computers are just [unprintable expletives].
    Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • With the data collected over the years, researchers were able to develop a clearer picture of the sharks’ movements and behavior patterns in the area.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • When playing indoors, clear glasses with anti-reflective coating are recommended.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Playing net-front is not as straightforward as going to the front of the net and standing there.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Although cannabis impairment detection is not as straightforward as with alcohol, police are still able to identify it.
    Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The case is composed of four distinct elements: two lateral sections, a case back and a bezel.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Each scent captures a distinct encounter, using an olfactory experience to transport the wearer to a specific moment in time.
    Danielle James, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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