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 Yet despite several apparent breakthroughs, Trump has in recent months repeatedly accused China of violating the terms. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025 Cats may stare at a certain spot in the room, or walk in to the room and start hissing for no apparent reason. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025 Authorities in Baltimore are seeking custody of a murder suspect who was released from jail in North Carolina due to an apparent legal hiccup, police said. —Ahmad Hemingway, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025 Subaru’s rural test site didn’t lend itself to the stop and go city driving where hybrids shine, but the Crosstrek’s extra power was apparent on twisting mountain roads. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apparent
  1. presumed
  2. visible
  3. obvious
  4. possible
  5. noticeable
  6. evident
  7. seeming
  8. visual
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of presumed
Adjective
  • The region has seen the deployment of the National Guard and Marines, the cancellation of public events and a visible chilling effect on the use of local businesses and services.
    — Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • During this time, neo-Nazi gangs grew visible at concerts, football matches and in public squares.
    — Steve Salter, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
Definition of visible
Adjective
  • The triggers for a crash likewise do not generally follow any obvious logic.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Roem and other critics of data center growth see a few obvious goals in Virginia if Spanberger wins — though the would-be governor has not climbed on board with all of them.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Besides religion, what are other possible reasons a person might have executed a forgery?
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • As Myles Lewis-Skelly dribbled up the left wing, the Brazilian made sure to come as central as possible before calling for a cross.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Private aviation also saw a noticeable bump there in 2022 as a result of wealthy buyers looking to avoid public transportation.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Aldi's Thanksgiving meal bundle this year feeds ten people for just $40, a noticeable markdown from last year's deal.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • Jackson's absence was evident in the Ravens' 44-10 loss in Week 5 to the Houston Texans.
    — Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • On Thursday, Samberg’s absence was the most evident of the three.
    — Murat Ates, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • We’re simply left alone with an addict and his feelings—or, occasionally, his seeming lack of them.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
  • A lot of it was the distance that I was afforded, the seeming distance that I was afforded.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
Definition of seeming
Adjective
  • Christiaan Triebert is a Times reporter working on the Visual Investigations team, a group that combines traditional reporting with digital sleuthing and analysis of visual evidence to verify and source facts from around the world.
    — Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • That’s preserved in over 300 medieval and Renaissance manuscript witnesses and has served as the basis of untold thousands of visual representations of Jesus Christ.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of visual

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apparels
apparent
apparently
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Cite this Entry

“Apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apparent. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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