apparent

adjective

ə-ˈper-ənt How to pronounce apparent (audio)
Definition of apparentnext
1
as in presumed
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed at the start of the investigation, the apparent cause of the plane crash was mechanical failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in visible
capable of being seen as the fog lifts, the town in the valley below us will become more apparent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation it's apparent from the smile on her face that she got a part in the play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apparent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of apparent are clear, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," apparent is very close to evident except that it may imply more conscious exercise of inference.

for no apparent reason

When is it sensible to use clear instead of apparent?

The meanings of clear and apparent largely overlap; however, 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 apparent?

While in some cases nearly identical to apparent, 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 apparent?

While the synonyms evident and apparent are close in meaning, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When can manifest be used instead of apparent?

The words manifest and apparent can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to apparent?

Although the words obvious and apparent have much in common, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When would patent be a good substitute for apparent?

In some situations, the words patent and apparent are roughly equivalent. However, 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 apparent?

The words plain and apparent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 apparent The child had not suffered any other apparent injuries, according to Cuellar. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2025 He was rushed out of court during day two of the hearing after an apparent fan made critical comments about the press, according to People and BBC News. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for apparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apparent
  1. visible
  2. obvious
  3. noticeable
  4. evident
  5. seeming
  6. visual
  7. unmistakable
  8. probable
Adjective
  • Relatively little known yet visible for much of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the constellation of Boötes is easy to find.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In a video posted by Blue Origin, the six women can be seen floating in the rocket’s capsule, with the Earth and the moon visible from the windows.
    — Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of visible
Adjective
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In its wildest moments, Coogler’s film seems like a collision of Lovecraft Country with True Blood, though more obvious comparisons will likely be drawn to From Dusk Till Dawn.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Based on the study’s results, Tucker’s team believes that survivors of severe trauma may see noticeable changes in their biological systems’ baseline levels.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left Augusta National Golf Club with a noticeable change in its lush greenery.
    — Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • The fact that Affleck and Lopez have been committed to staying close with each other’s kids has been evident since the early days of the divorce rumors.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Political representatives are sensitive to elections, as is evident in the close races in Florida on April 1.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • Emilia Pérez’s turnout in particular was a fall from seeming dominance, perhaps precipitated by Gascón’s controversy.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
  • That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024
Definition of seeming
Adjective
  • Deals on outdoor rugs Outdoor rugs enhance outdoor spaces by adding comfort, visual appeal and functionality.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In addition, The New Yorker earned two ASME Awards for Design, Photography, and Illustration, which recognize visual excellence.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of visual
Adjective
  • Immediate Action Required: The urgency is unmistakable.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • His speech contained an unmistakable warning for Bolsonaro.
    — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • In Europe, projections showed a probable increase in Ambrosia—or ragweed pollen—also linked to rising temperatures.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The presence of at least six US B-2 stealth bombers in the Indian Ocean and a second aircraft carrier in the Middle East only fueled speculation in Israel that a strike was not only possible, but increasingly probable.
    — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of probable

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Cite this Entry

“Apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apparent. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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