manifest 1 of 3

Definition of manifestnext

manifest

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verb

manifest

3 of 3

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
The entire flywheel of Anonymous is manifest in that movie from the cast to the book all the way through to the end of production. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 8 May 2026 Sometimes a person opens the top of their skull to reach inside; in her painting Threading the Story Through the Eye of a Needle (circa 1974), a hand pulls a line of thread through a pupil, towing two tiny people in a boat, suggesting both sight and an idea made manifest. Nicole Rudick, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
Congo says over 100 cases have been confirmed Tracing and isolating Ebola contacts is seen as key to stopping the spread of the disease, which usually manifests as hemorrhagic fever. Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026 Tracing and isolating Ebola contacts is seen as key to stopping the spread of the disease, which usually manifests as hemorrhagic fever. CBS News, 27 May 2026
Noun
This manifest includes Jack Dawson, played by Constantine Rousouli as an aging twunk who knows how to fill and show off his slim-fit khakis. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026 An Ellis Island manifest, dated April 21, 1906, documents his arrival in the United States, along with his mother and brother. Glenn Kurtz, Time, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • The divide is particularly evident in apparel.
    Juveria Tabassum, USA Today, 3 June 2026
  • This phenomenon was particularly evident last primary, when Bass initially trailed developer Rick Caruso in the mayoral race, but as more ballots came in, Bass continued to gain a lead.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Police have officially concluded their investigation into the death of Hulk Hogan, issuing a 72-page report with additional details that reveal authorities found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
  • The pair announced their engagement in August 2025, and their wedding date was revealed in April.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • And as part of the Oberoi Group, Rajvilas embodies the brand’s reputation for quietly exceptional service.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • These communities have, for centuries, evolved to embody the distinctly American capacity to embrace difference and foster opportunity for all—now and for the future.
    Time, Time, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Even generous estimates of the cost of quarterly reporting are small beside the liquidity, valuation, index-inclusion, and cost-of-capital benefits that attach to being a seasoned public company.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • The Russell 2000 index, which tracks smaller companies and whose largest constituent is worth only $70 billion, struggled to turn positive throughout the day.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Upgraded features include enhanced on-and-off loading, including the ability for families to roll strollers directly into the glass cabin with ease.
    Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
  • Designed with a front-loading ramp, the craft allowed troops, vehicles, and supplies to land directly onto beaches during amphibious assaults.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • The humor resulting from the combination of apparent authenticity, slick social media editing and a compelling mission has prompted speculation among onlookers about the band's true origin.
    Max Bacall , Tessa Hoyos , Nikos DeGruccio, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
  • The apparent unit of output—a token—is not a stable unit of economic value.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Designed for fans and collectors, this innovative accessory folds completely flat to display a character-specific Bounty Hunter ID.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 June 2026
  • Fusing magnetic spontaneity and attention to detail, Y’all Won displays the consistency at the center of Veeze’s output, even when his hand is forced.
    Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • After 10 days trapped in a cave with four others, the first man brought to safety expressed heartfelt gratitude to his rescuers and his family.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Other countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt also issued statements condemning the attacks and expressing support for Kuwait.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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