obvious

adjective

ˈäb-vē-əs How to pronounce obvious (audio)
Definition of obviousnext
1
as in apparent
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation that remark was an obvious joke, so lighten up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blatant
very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad obvious errors in the book that the editor or proofreader should have caught

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obvious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obvious are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

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

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

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than obvious?

The synonyms clear and obvious are sometimes interchangeable, 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 obvious?

While in some cases nearly identical to obvious, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When is it sensible to use evident instead of obvious?

Although the words evident and obvious have much in common, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When might manifest be a better fit than obvious?

The words manifest and obvious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

When would patent be a good substitute for obvious?

While the synonyms patent and obvious are close in meaning, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When could plain be used to replace obvious?

In some situations, the words plain and obvious are roughly equivalent. However, 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 obvious Other contributions, many of which supported worthy causes, also lacked obvious connection to Hope Florida’s mission. —Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025 Unlike recent drafts, there’s less obvious separation between the top players available. —C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 11 July 2025 But one obvious answer is that attention is a limited resource, and its apportionment to Iran and Hezbollah, in preference to Hamas and the Palestinian issue near at hand, mirrored Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s worldview. —Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025 Consolidation by the end of the decade The future of other brands is less obvious, but consolidation among the mainstream brands is likely before the end of the decade. —Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for obvious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obvious
  1. apparent
  2. blatant
  3. evident
  4. glaring
  5. unmistakable
  6. clear
  7. straightforward
  8. distinct
Adjective
  • The apparent docking of the two satellites last week suggests SJ-21 is the target for SJ-25's refueling demonstration, and US officials are watching.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 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
  • Prejudice has long disconnected Black and Latino communities — but the blatant dismissal of ICE raids as a Latino issue is off base.
    — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
  • However, if the church becomes tainted with blatant partisan politics, the church will look like the world with polarizing division.
    — Stephen Mitchell, Baltimore Sun, 14 July 2025
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • 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
  • The relaxation is evident in displays of locals stretched out in the various parks in this very green city, some bordering the Spree, the river that bisects it.
    — Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • Ayton’s arrival fills the Lakers’ most glaring offseason need.
    — Greg Beacham, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 2025
  • Policymakers should focus on developing industries in which the United States faces the most glaring scarcities.
    — Damien Ma, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
Definition of glaring
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
  • The fire table, which comes with clear fire glass, a table lid, propane cover, and a protective fabric table cover, burns at a maximum of 57,000 BTU and is made from rust-free aluminum.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2025
  • If voters, especially in politically conservative areas such as Ohio, make clear that dismantling science and academia undermines their communities, Congress may yet act.
    — Matt Motta, Scientific American, 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
  • Literature has a distinct ability to illuminate truth’s multiplicities; writers like Ullmann remind readers that fact and fiction are fragile categories, and that collapsing them can yield enthralling results.
    — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 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

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Cite this Entry

“Obvious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obvious. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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