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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective evident contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of evident are apparent, clear, distinct, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

How do apparent and evident relate to one another?

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

for no apparent reason

When can clear be used instead of evident?

The meanings of clear and evident largely overlap; however, clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When would distinct be a good substitute for evident?

The words distinct and evident can be used in similar contexts, but distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When could manifest be used to replace evident?

In some situations, the words manifest and evident are roughly equivalent. However, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

In what contexts can obvious take the place of evident?

While the synonyms obvious and evident 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 might patent be a better fit than evident?

While in some cases nearly identical to evident, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to evident?

Although the words plain and evident 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 evident Lifeline never shies away from scaling epic stories to fit onto its small stage, and the company’s gutsy creativity is evident in this latest world premiere. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 This put the four-time world champion in a tricky situation, and his frustration was evident over the team radio. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 Goldschmidt has always been an active participant in community events, and his leadership skills and compassion are evident to those in his presence. Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 The effect was evident in women, but not statistically significant in men. Carla K. Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • Ukraine goes into this second round of direct talks bolstered by its apparent destruction of Russian strategic bombers and other crucial air assets.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
  • Wolff did admit that seeing the positives were difficult, aside from the apparent step in tire management.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 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
Adjective
  • The gravity of the moment was unmistakable — the consequences of a loss, and the eventual magnitude of a win.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • In a market defined by uncertainty, the bond market’s message is unmistakable: brace for impact.
    Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, remains in play as a possible addition to a Rams team regarded as a Super Bowl contender, coach Sean McVay acknowledged after practice.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The clear, neutral spirit has dominated American liquor sales for decades, far surpassing whiskey, which once enjoyed an unchallenged status as the nation's preferred spirit.
    Time, Time, 4 June 2025
  • The condition of the two others was not immediately clear.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The House previously approved a budget bill that contained a fairly straightforward provision to ban state AI regulation for 10 years.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • All that aside, even without the system transfer, using my Switch 2 has been smooth and straightforward.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • There is a distinct difference between the two eras.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Within such simulations, there will be three distinct participant groups: 1.
    Ivan Shvaichenko, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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