manifest 1 of 3

manifest

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verb

manifest

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective manifest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manifest are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of manifest?

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

for no apparent reason

When could clear be used to replace manifest?

The words clear and manifest can be used in similar contexts, but 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 manifest?

The meanings of distinct and manifest largely overlap; however, 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 manifest?

While in some cases nearly identical to manifest, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to manifest?

While the synonyms obvious and manifest 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 can patent be used instead of manifest?

The words patent and manifest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 manifest?

Although the words plain and manifest 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 manifest
Adjective
Another standout aspect of Vertex is its advanced prompt engineering capabilities, which are now manifest in the company’s other toolsets, for example Agentspace. Jason Andersen, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 The red state denial of fiscal responsibility is manifest today as misguided voices champion the economic virtues of red states. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Stephen Henriques, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
My lymphedema manifested itself in a unique way in that the fluid wasn't just stuck in the arm. Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Their relationship built on mutual admiration has manifested at concerts (John invited Carlile to sing at his final concert at Dodger Stadium in 2022) and soirees (Carlile was one of the most sincere performers at last year’s Gershwin Prize concert honoring John and lyricist Bernie Taupin). Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
The seven weapons experts were booked to travel from Moscow to Tehran aboard two flights on April 24 and September 17 last year, according to documents detailing the two group bookings as well as the passenger manifest for the second flight. Reuters, NBC News, 4 Mar. 2025 Just enough remained to identify the vessel: crumpled copper sheathing from the period; iron ballast blocks that were mentioned in the manifest; and, most crucially, timber from a tropical hardwood that grew in Mozambique. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • That was evident in New Orleans last year as storms like Hurricane Francine soaked the city.
    Umair Irfan, Wired News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • That quality was evident in Father Arul, who left India to come to the heartland of America and serve the people of the Catholic Church in northeast Kansas.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But Brown turned serious when revealing how having the opportunity to have a say in casting and staffing the series had been a special treat for him.
    Scott Huver, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Tim Plowman and Jim Duke would famously reveal coca to be both benign and chock-full of vital nutrients, but their nutritional study came a generation too late to inform the bureaucratic and political process that led to the criminalization of the plant.
    Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For many, the Masters marks the beginning of golf season, and these pieces of clothing embody that time of year.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • This special club embodies the Gamecocks’ defensive mindset, especially on the perimeter.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The passport ranking The ninth edition of the list ranks 199 countries and territories using 20 sources, such as country tax authorities for tax rankings, and the World Happiness Report and the United Nations’ Human Development Index for perception rankings, according to the index.
    Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The most notable drop in the index was from imports.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The trick floor conceals a 5-foot-long (1.5-m) slide-out tray for easier tailgate loading and unpacking.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Amazon and other customers use it in warehouses for repetitive tasks such as loading and unloading totes.
    Loren Elliott, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In 1932 Chicago police raided an apparent summit meeting of gangsters, and arrested Lansky and five others on vagrancy charges.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
  • And with no apparent competition for the starting job, the redshirt junior can focus on his own game rather than competing with the guys around him.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The reporter noted that a framed photo of Prince Harry, 40, with his late mother, Princess Diana, was displayed nearby.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Asia Asian stocks have displayed a mixed performance throughout Wednesday's trading session.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After catching wind of Rock’s new love interest, Saffold took to social media to weigh in on the pairing, beginning her comments with what some took as a hint of shade before appearing to express her approval of Rock dating Newton.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Booker expressed just as much after the Suns suffered a 38-point loss to Golden State on Tuesday.
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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