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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obvious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obvious are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

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

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

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than obvious?

The synonyms clear and obvious are sometimes interchangeable, 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 obvious?

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

a distinct refusal

When is it sensible to use evident instead of obvious?

Although the words evident and obvious have much in common, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When might manifest be a better fit than obvious?

The words manifest and obvious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

When would patent be a good substitute for obvious?

While the synonyms patent and obvious are close in meaning, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When could plain be used to replace obvious?

In some situations, the words plain and obvious are roughly equivalent. However, 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 obvious It’s long been obvious that what Lori—the only single girl of the three—wants is Valentin. Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025 Now, four decades later, Koch is sharing his biggest business lessons, and wants entrepreneurs to understand the importance of one core function that may seem obvious: selling. Alice Barlow, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2025 The subtext was just as obvious: Play like Clay … in his absence. Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025 And this should be obvious based on its width, but the DPS Pisteworks 79 is not an all-mountain ski. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obvious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obvious
Adjective
  • No rhyme, reason, or apparent causality except that computers are just [unprintable expletives].
    Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The blatant stupidity of what is being done by our country‘s executive leadership is staggering.
    Lisa P. Rimland, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Culturally, the combination of blatant racist fear mongering and the anti-woke movement has delivered their message for the future.
    Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 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
  • Kentucky’s other glaring issue is interrupting the passing lanes.
    The Athletic, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Perhaps the most glaring example of that was Ed, who was very into the 1990s swing craze and dressed in a way that reflected that.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 20 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
  • 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
  • The snap-down closure keeps your phone secure all day while the zippered interior has nine slots for cards, including a clear pocket for your ID.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 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
  • Despite sounding the same, the sewing and cooking meanings may have distinct origins but evolved similarly in English.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • This fantasy set-up is the catalyst for a journey of reconnection for mother and father, May and Cody, across a variety of brilliantly distinct levels.
    Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obvious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obvious. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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