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 Separation between Mars and the moon's upper edge is given in terms of minutes of arc (the apparent width of the moon on June 29 is 31 arc minutes), and the percentage of the apparent width of the moon. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 13 June 2025 Then came Walman’s late, apparent winning goal for Edmonton to make it 4-3. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025 The detainees allegedly fashioned makeshift ropes from bedsheets and descended from a third-floor window in an apparent bid to escape. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 As the role of data in driving innovation becomes more apparent, many organizations are turning to strategic partnerships to streamline data management and deliver measurable business results. —Rajnish Nath, Forbes.com, 13 June 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
  • In all versions, the same person in a red coat and beanie appears, and a 63rd Street sign is visible—confirming the location.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
  • The stunning natural phenomenon, formally known as aurora borealis, is expected to be visible over some northern-tier and upper Midwest states, according to the NOAA.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Definition of visible
Adjective
  • Lionsgate post-Starz spin-off would be the most obvious choice, without the weight of cable networks on both sides and with a host of still-viable Lionsgate franchises including John Wick, The Hunger Games and Saw.
    — Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sending in the National Guard was an obvious military flex, designed to to bait Angelenos while perhaps distracting Americans from Trump’s far greater troubles.
    — Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Dutch’s mission is rooted in making that bond possible—for more people—by providing affordable, ongoing access to care.
    — Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Whether the new song will be included in a possible new Tame Impala album remains to be seen, and tour plans remain a rumor.
    — David Browne, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • The dog's most distinctive feature—a noticeable facial deformity—raised immediate questions.
    — Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Even more notably, Tha Carter V sold a massive 480,000 units in its debut week back in 2018, underscoring a noticeable slide in first-week performance over the years.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 June 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • Koenig noted in her report that the Emergency Department at Waterbury Hospital was crowded and the need for expansion as planned was evident.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, King’s status as a last-minute guest was evident in her clothes, the journalist's green sweatsuit standing out among the black-tie attire.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 4 June 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
  • Some Miley Cyrus fans who paid top dollar to attend the Tribeca Festival debut of the singer’s new visual album, Something Beautiful, appeared to be under the impression that a post-screening Q&A would include a concert.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 June 2025
  • The accompanying visual film will be released in theaters later this month.
    — Nicholas Rice, People.com, 8 June 2025
Definition of visual
Adjective
  • So, while Israel is flying the planes, the United States is sending an unmistakable message that its multi-decade strategic partnership with Israel is formidable in the face of threats from anti-American, anti-Western authoritarian regimes.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • An 'unmistakable' long-term trend In practice, investors want to keep their money in the market over decades, and many presidencies.
    — Annie Nova, CNBC, 10 June 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 18 Jun. 2025.

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