evident

adjective

ˈe-və-dənt How to pronounce evident (audio)
Definition of evidentnext
1
as in apparent
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed the evident cause of the accident was icy road conditions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation the man was discovered dead in his apartment, but there were no evident signs of foul play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 That was evident during the citywide immigration raids attended by Trump’s border czar Tom Homan and the TV personality Dr. Phil in January — and now in Wednesday’s courthouse arrests. —Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 The energy at Chase Center was evident for all four quarters. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 22 May 2025 And in Ferguson, Missouri, where the fatal 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown and subsequent mass protests made the city the epicenter for police reform, major changes were evident eight years later, including a more racially diverse police department and less frequent traffic stops. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The tension between the two was evident at the command center on Tuesday where they were being collectively gathered and processed. —Matt Finn, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
  1. apparent
  2. obvious
  3. unmistakable
  4. possible
  5. clear
  6. straightforward
  7. distinct
Adjective
  • The man dropped to the ground and was arrested without any apparent resistance in the video that Osante filmed.
    — Colleen Slevin, Los Angeles Times, 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
Definition of apparent
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 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
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2025
  • If the patient is a child, the conversation will involve the family or caregiver when possible.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • But Martin found the commonality and presented one clear vision.
    — Jackie Fields, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • However the trade war ends, the message from American industry is clear: there can be no going back to the pre-Trump U.S.-China economic relationship.
    — John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • Every detail is considered, down to the most straightforward dish on the menu and its namesake.
    — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
  • Encouraging existing customers to become brand advocates is the most straightforward way to drive organic growth.
    — Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • Within such simulations, there will be three distinct participant groups: 1.
    — Ivan Shvaichenko, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • There is a distinct difference between the two eras.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of distinct

Browse Nearby Words

evidencing
evident
evidently
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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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