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 Verbal stumbles were apparent in an audio clip of Mr. Biden being interviewed by a special counsel. —Michael Barbaro, New York Times, 20 May 2025 Responding officers located three individuals inside the gym, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025 That was disseminated by pro-Kremlin and far-right sources, in an apparent attempt to smear European leaders supporting Ukraine. —Jim Warren, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025 As the county code authorizes the county executive to simply reappoint the inspector general and an open search is not required, Madigan’s fate seems apparent. —Emmet C. Davitt, Baltimore Sun, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for apparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apparent
  1. visible
  2. obvious
  3. possible
  4. noticeable
  5. evident
  6. seeming
  7. visual
  8. unmistakable
Adjective
  • What makes this easier to pull off is the fact that MLM outfits don’t have the kind of central, visible leader the public associates with many higher-profile schemes—no Sam Bankman-Fried or Bernie Madoff or Elizabeth Holmes.
    — Lora Kelley, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025
  • If any visible moisture remains after cleaning, wipe the entire unit, especially the blades, with a dry towel.
    — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025
Definition of visible
Adjective
  • But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • 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
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • The Boise City Council approved plan modifications May 13 for a central village green and town center that would include shopping, coffee shops and food spots, including possible food carts in a park area.
    — Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 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
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Last year, there were multiple reports and videos of noticeable early exits at various Trump events.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • Most notably, though, Musk arrived with an immediately noticeable bruise on his right eye.
    — Meredith Kile, People.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • And the sense of community that this helps to build will, of course, be evident when those enthusiastic readers meet each other and some of their literary heroes next month.
    — Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The effect was evident in women, but not statistically significant in men.
    — Carla K. Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 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
  • Depending on the critic, Gates, 51, a professor of visual art at the University of Chicago, is a land artist.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
  • His visual art has been featured by PBS and Los Angeles’ premier art institutions: the LA Opera, Hammer Museum, and the Center Theatre Group.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of visual
Adjective
  • Beyond the physical abuse, Cassie endured a steady drumbeat of insidious threats that sent an unmistakable message: the violence could escalate at any moment.
    — Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
  • The unmistakable message: in Welch’s House of Representatives, Democratic moderates who think for themselves and question their own party’s orthodoxies are unwelcome.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Definition of unmistakable

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apparent
apparently
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Cite this Entry

“Apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apparent. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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