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

Relevance

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 Federal prosecutors also appeared to reveal today that Combs had rejected an apparent plea deal. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 Unlike a star whose narrow rays of light are readily distorted by our turbulent ocean of air, planets appear significantly larger in apparent size. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025 He had been sidelined since mid-February after sustaining an apparent groin injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off and missed the final 25 games of the regular season. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 To a casual observer, the difference between o1 and o1-pro might not be immediately apparent, yet the performance gap in business tasks can be substantial. —Andrew Filev, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 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
  • Reuters photos from the aftermath of the incident showed paramedics and ambulances at the scene, with police cordons visible.
    — Lucas Lilieholm, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The dress featured long sleeves and a modest neckline, with sheer portions visible at the sleeves and the lower part of the dress.
    — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of visible
Adjective
  • With such a depleted draft stash, the Bucks don't have any obvious levers to pull to help bolster their supporting cast alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Hague lamented the rush to reach a deal in the absence of any obvious pressure on Russia but with an intense focus on obtaining for the U.S. the mineral wealth of Ukraine.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Yet, potassium bromate is also classified as a possible human carcinogen.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • One major change was the installation of visual and audio warning systems to alert pilots of possible throttle misconfigurations.
    — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Arsenal’s change in tack from corners was immediately noticeable in their 1-1 draw with Brentford.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • Clark's influence on the popularity of women's basketball over the last year has been evident in various statistics.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Political representatives are sensitive to elections, as is evident in the close races in Florida on April 1.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 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
  • Combat now includes sound effects, visual effects, hit reactions and crosshairs.
    — Carlie Procell, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • In his new book Cinema of Extractions (Columbia University Press), Caltech professor of visual culture Brian Jacobson puts the spotlight on the physical footprint of the business of Hollywood.
    — Degen Pener, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of visual
Adjective
  • She’s been wildly influential without ever being less than unmistakable; no matter what sonic, thematic or characteristic elements other artists may borrow from her, none of them would ever risk being taken for Lana herself.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The song, a collaboration between The Pogues frontman MacGowan and the unmistakable O’Connor, reenters the Official Physical Singles chart at No. 18.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable

Browse Nearby Words

apparels
apparent
apparently
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apparent. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on apparent

Nglish: Translation of apparent for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Words You Always Have to Look Up

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

Words You Always Have to Look Up

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All