Synonyms of obvious

obvious

adjective

ˈäb-vē-əs 

1

as in apparent

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation

that remark was an obvious joke, so lighten up

Synonyms & Similar Words

• apparent
• evident
• unmistakable
• clear
• straightforward
• distinct
• simple
• visible
• plain
• broad
• unambiguous
• unequivocal
• decided
• clear-cut
• manifest
• transparent
• palpable
• lucid
• noticeable
• perspicuous
• luminous
• crystal clear
• ringing
• understandable
• barefaced
• patent
• bald
• open-and-shut
• bright-line
• explicit
• comprehensible
• tangible
• unambivalent
• nonambiguous
• intelligible
• bald-faced
• pellucid
• luculent
• appreciable
• recognizable
• self-evident
• knowable
• overt
• discernible
• uncomplicated
• cognizable
• perceptible
• observable
• sensible
• discernable
• undisguised
• digestible
• fathomable
• tidy
• self-explanatory
• graspable
• clean-cut
• comprehendible
• readable
• legible
• trenchant
• black-and-white
• decipherable
• cognoscible
• clean
• well-defined
• fair

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unclear
• ambiguous
• obscure
• mysterious
• dark
• indistinct
• enigmatic
• equivocal
• cryptic
• incomprehensible
• clouded
• unfathomable
• unintelligible
• unapparent
• unknowable
• subtle
• indecipherable
• enigmatical
• nonobvious
• vague
• imperceptible
• inappreciable
• gray
• unclarified
• obfuscated
• grey
• insensible
• impalpable
• nebulous
• imprecise
• indefinite
• indeterminate
• sketchy
• slippery
• hazy
• indiscernible
• murky
• cloudy
• misty
• noncommittal
• illegible
• unreadable
• gauzy
• undecipherable

2

as in blatant

very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad

obvious errors in the book that the editor or proofreader should have caught

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blatant
• glaring
• conspicuous
• gross
• striking
• egregious
• noticeable
• pronounced
• flagrant
• patent
• distinct
• clear
• outstanding
• sheer
• terrible
• evident
• notable
• remarkable
• prominent
• marked
• dramatic
• salient
• rank
• emphatic
• showy
• visible
• discernible
• plain
• outright
• discernable
• utter
• detectable
• perceptible
• shocking
• absolute
• monstrous
• observable
• downright
• stark
• shameful
• outrageous
• eye-catching
• awful
• heinous
• arresting
• out-and-out
• preposterous
• abominable
• deplorable
• splashy
• atrocious
• arrant
• lousy
• execrable
• wretched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inconspicuous
• imperceptible
• unobtrusive
• trivial
• insignificant
• small
• slight
• inconsequential
• inconsiderable
• trifling
• unnoticeable
• invisible
• hidden
• concealed

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

Recent Examples of obvious

After devoting countless man-hours to obfuscating in courtrooms and legal briefs, the administration has finally availed itself of this obvious option. —The Editors, National Review, 7 June 2025

Plants can defoliate all their leaves before any sign of the disease is obvious. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025

Working with vocalists seemed like an obvious thing to do for a sequel. —Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025

But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025