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 As the United States reaches its 250th year, the widening gulf between the very rich few and the rest of us has become glaringly apparent. —Time, 7 July 2025 The reason for the improvements should be apparent to any traveler passing through Miami: The airport is growing and often struggles to keep up. —Miami Herald, 7 July 2025 But the popularity and apparent superpowers of ChatGPT set off a fierce competition among tech companies to release even more powerful generative AI tools. —Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025 Other Demographic Differences Women’s second fall persistence rate (79.3%) exceeded that of men (76.3%), continuing a trend that’s been apparent for several years. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 26 June 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
  • Other videos featured the character driving away in a golf cart at night, leaving their lips lathered in the glistening product, visible in the moonlight.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
  • Readers noted the property's views of the Bosphorus as one specific special perk, even visible from some of the balconies across its rooms and suites.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Definition of visible
Adjective
  • And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.
    — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • There are possible ways to rectify late filings and, depending on the facts, penalties might be averted.
    — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Boston needs to lock him down as soon as possible to prevent other teams from even having a chance to sign him.
    — Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • The ribbed texture is noticeable, but not too thick, and the contouring on the back and front could not be more flattering.
    — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire.
    — Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • The club’s communication has not helped, though noticeable strides in transparency have been evident since the saga of Alvarez’s undiagnosed hand fracture.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • In a sense, that was evident a week ago, when the Hornets’ rookie class inked their respective contracts.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 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
  • The visual similarity was undeniable, but the massive gap between the two locations didn’t make sense.
    — Aspen Pflughoeft July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • But McBurney hopes to be an inspiration for anyone in the blind community who doubts their ability to achieve success due to visual impairments.
    — Ramal Nasim Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
Definition of visual
Adjective
  • So now, many Mexicans and Mexican Americans are choosing to be seen in the loudest, most unmistakable way: by wearing their culture on their sleeves—literally.
    — Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • The display of might outside was unmistakable, as was the soft power inside the building.
    — Andrew J. Campa Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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