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 can be evident in Las Vegas, where the young guard struggled at times a year ago. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025 This was evident during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, when these flags were prominently displayed. —Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 July 2025 My instincts were right as evident in Spencer’s debut (or at least his edit) in the premiere of Bachelor in Paradise. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 8 July 2025 This pattern of underestimation was evident across multiple benchmarks, with many researchers' predictions about AI capabilities being proven wrong within months. —ArsTechnica, 8 July 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
  • Separately, Russia’s transport minister was found dead in what authorities said was an apparent suicide — news that broke hours after the Kremlin announced he had been dismissed by Putin.
    — Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • The disconnect is apparent: students want to build careers around emerging technology, but traditional education isn’t teaching them how.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • 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
  • And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of obvious
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
Adjective
  • That means getting as many users as possible to pile in is crucial.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
  • Curiously, there was no representative from Prince William and Kate Middleton in the talks, and reports indicate the two are approaching the possible reconciliation carefully.
    — Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • He’s been clear in his frustration about the team’s struggle for form this year, long brushing off thoughts of retaining his world title.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Establishing clear protocols for collaborative action and conducting regular stress tests and drills—simulating everything from accidents to public health emergencies—helps identify vulnerabilities and familiarizes all parties with their roles before a real crisis hits.
    — Daniel Brillman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • Trent Sherfield Starting point: This group looks from here like a pretty straightforward set.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Textor’s relationship with Palace has been far from straightforward over his four-year involvement.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • Consider Stapleton International Airport’s reincarnation as Denver’s Central Park neighborhood, or suburban Chicago’s Glenview Naval Air Station’s rebirth as The Glen, a live-dine-play-shop community featuring 2,000 homes in eight distinct enclaves.
    — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Today, over 3 in 5 cannabis consumers are aware of terpenes: organic compounds present in plants, fungi and cannabis, and are responsible for distinct scents, flavors and therapeutic effects.
    — Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 15 July 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 22 Jul. 2025.

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