manifest 1 of 3

manifest

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verb

manifest

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective manifest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manifest are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of manifest?

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

for no apparent reason

When could clear be used to replace manifest?

The words clear and manifest can be used in similar contexts, but 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 manifest?

The meanings of distinct and manifest largely overlap; however, 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 manifest?

While in some cases nearly identical to manifest, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to manifest?

While the synonyms obvious and manifest 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 can patent be used instead of manifest?

The words patent and manifest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 manifest?

Although the words plain and manifest 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 manifest
Adjective
The first powerful metaphor in the book's title -- Cracks -- is manifest as Miller describes how his mother filled the cracks of the house boards to prevent summer insects from eating them all alive. Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025 The reasons for the far right’s rise are manifest in his hometown of Niedertreba. Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
The back-and-forth Clark and Reese exchanged in college — when Reese’s LSU knocked off Clark’s Iowa in the 2023 national championship, followed by Clark ending Reese’s LSU career the next season in the Elite Eight — has not manifested between their teams in the WNBA. James Boyd, New York Times, 18 May 2025 Once again, this is a character whose return the Doctor Who fandom has been speculating about and manifesting for years on end. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 17 May 2025
Noun
Those aboard the plane included an American national, a French national and two minors, Reuters reported, citing the flight manifest shown by local media. Bonny Chu, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2025 Aside from proving the Space Force could prepare for a launch in a matter of a few months, Horne said the mission also demonstrated the Space Force's ability to adjust its manifest to minimize the impact of Vulcan delays. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • The effect was evident in women, but not statistically significant in men.
    Carla K. Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Bank of America data reveals that domestic travel is up 3% as Americans, facing economic uncertainty, opt to explore closer to home rather than expensive overseas trips.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 24 May 2025
  • Grads react as billionaire gives them $1,000: Watch video Yelp unveils its top 25 burger chains in the US: See the list Spotify reveals predictions for 30 top songs of summer 2025: See list Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Either way, the new pope embodies all the complexities of being an American, serving as an authentic ambassador of our history and culture.
    Rebecca R. Bibbs, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Giorgio Armani Mare is the women’s and men’s collection that embodies Giorgio Armani’s aesthetic.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The university’s index of consumer sentiment is down almost 30% since January.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
  • The index advanced for 16 months consecutively from August 2020 to December 2021.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • An image capture taken from handout video footage shows escaped inmates running through the loading dock at the Orleans Parish Justice Center, in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 16, 2025.
    Alex Sundby, CBS News, 21 May 2025
  • All the iced tea pitchers on our list are dishwasher safe, but many require top rack loading or recommend hand washing.
    Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • That license is currently set to expire on May 27, but sources indicate it may now be extended by 60 days — an apparent diplomatic concession aimed at easing tensions and fostering future cooperation.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
  • Experts said the safety reports reviewed by CNN illustrate the real-world consequences of the FAA’s apparent inability to address these equipment challenges.
    Melanie Hicken, CNN Money, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The 2023 Chianti Classico displayed beautiful freshness and elegance, offering pure fruit and immediate charm. Querciabella (Greve, Radda, Gaiole) – With organic and biodynamic vineyards across multiple UGAs, Querciabella champions purity and transparency in every bottle.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • They were punished with another partial stadium closure in April after displaying banners insulting ex-PSG player Rabiot during a game against Marseille.
    Tomás Hill López-Menchero, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 29 May 2025
  • Trump, for his part, has expressed admiration for Musk while also signaling the limits of their working relationship.
    Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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