SEEMING Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'seeming' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent , illusory , and ostensible . While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else. // the seeming simplicity of the story

Q: In what contexts can 'apparent' take the place of 'seeming'?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge. // the apparent cause of the accident

Q: When is it sensible to use 'illusory' instead of 'seeming'?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view. // an illusory sense of security

Q: When could 'ostensible' be used to replace 'seeming'?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one. // the ostensible reason for their visit

seeming 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of seeming next

as in apparent

appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed a seeming contradiction that disappeared upon closer analysis of the text

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

seeming

2 of 3

noun

ˈsē-miŋ

as in appearance

outward and often deceptive indication her altruism is all seeming—she cares only about herself

Synonyms & Similar Words

seeming

3 of 3

verb

present participle of seem

as in looking

to give the impression of being I tried to cheer them up because they seemed depressed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent, illusory, and ostensible. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

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 seeming

Adjective

That said, overall investment in healthcare is really just back to 2019 levels, a seeming regression to the mean after the pandemic spurred investment capital into areas like drug development, telehealth and other parts of the healthcare industry. —

Alex Knapp, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023 Experts in both Taiwan and the United States, though, have long expressed worries about a seeming complacency in Taiwan regarding defense. —

Eryk Michael Smith, Fox News, 9 Jan. 2023

Noun

To these seeming conundrums Mian offers several plausible explanations. —

Harper's Magazine, 2 Mar. 2024 The exchange takes on new meaning in light of Syria's collapse as rebels took Damascus overnight on Saturday, toppling a 50-year regime that ended with Bashar al-Assad's seeming escape from the country. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Verb

The most persuasive people are able to prove their point without seeming manipulative or ill-intended. —

Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2024 While seeming meager by today’s equipment standards, these supplies were critical for the volunteers. —

John Laycock, Baltimore Sun, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for seeming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming

Adjective

The most apparent sign of a mouse infestation in a home is droppings near food sources, such as kitchen cabinets, pantries, and under furniture.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2025
But going against Boozer, the gulf in their skill sets was apparent.

— Jared Weiss, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Definition of apparent

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“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of seeming

adjective

noun

verb

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