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 But for the devoted cohort of students and alumni of Religion and Public Life and its former leadership, the school’s apparent failure to protect the program’s staff suggests the opposite: that Harvard might quietly cave to outside pressure. —Yasmine Salam, NBC news, 31 July 2025 The words Tamura left behind in his apparent suicide note also managed to hit at one of the NFL’s most delicate issues. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 30 July 2025 Gonzalez missed his first practice of the spring after limping off with an apparent left leg injury during Monday's practice. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 30 July 2025 In apparent disbelief, Berger simply sank to her knees, her arms outstretched and a huge grin on her face, and watched as her jubilant teammates sprinted towards her to celebrate. —Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for apparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apparent
  1. visible
  2. obvious
  3. possible
  4. noticeable
  5. evident
  6. seeming
  7. visual
  8. unmistakable
Adjective
  • Hazy skies are visible across the Front Range today due to wildfires burning in the Southwest.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
  • All are visible in the series’ first image from production, featuring the new cast members huddled together for a selfie with Hartnett and Heaton.
    — Andrew McGowan, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of visible
Adjective
  • The duty-free treatment of the past is on the verge of being replaced with a 50 percent punitive tariff — a shocking and destructive increase that serves no obvious purpose.
    — Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • In particular, the lack of late-inning arms with bat-missing raw stuff stands out as an obvious weakness for the playoffs, as the Tigers’ bullpen has the AL’s lowest strikeout rate overall.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 28 July 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • That would be possible because access from Lincoln Memorial Drive to and from I-794 would be shifted southward.
    — Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
  • New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
    — Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 July 2025
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • For later stages, incorporating regenerative in-office treatments can make a noticeable difference.
    — Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025
  • Ay Papi’s Whitethorn Rose Single Origin Live Rosin Infused Gummies are colorless and melt in the mouth with a noticeable musky cannabis flavor accompanied by sweet, tropical fruit notes.
    — IRENE ADELINE MILANEZ, Sacbee.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • White’s taste for Richardsonian sturdiness was evident in the roughhewn blocks of bluestone forming the ground floor and the twenty-five-foot-wide iron portcullis guarding the arched entrance.
    — Henry Wiencek July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
  • That blend of tradition and innovation is evident in both the menu and the experience.
    — Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • Emilia Pérez’s turnout in particular was a fall from seeming dominance, perhaps precipitated by Gascón’s controversy.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
  • That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024
Definition of seeming
Adjective
  • The visual similarity was undeniable, but the massive gap between the two locations didn’t make sense.
    — Aspen Pflughoeft July 14, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • But McBurney hopes to be an inspiration for anyone in the blind community who doubts their ability to achieve success due to visual impairments.
    — Ramal Nasim Updated July 14, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
Definition of visual
Adjective
  • Across 13 tracks, the Street Mob wunderkind turns his unmistakable vocal chops into the driving force behind his most adventurous album yet, stepping confidently into banda, rap, and trap without losing sight of his roots.
    — Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 1 Aug. 2025
  • In the short TikTok clip, Beau stares ahead, refusing to look at his owner, before glancing back with unmistakable judgment in his eyes.
    — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of unmistakable

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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 5 Aug. 2025.

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