Definition of evidentnext
1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective evident contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of evident are apparent, clear, distinct, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

How do apparent and evident relate to one another?

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

for no apparent reason

When can clear be used instead of evident?

The meanings of clear and evident largely overlap; however, clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When would distinct be a good substitute for evident?

The words distinct and evident can be used in similar contexts, but distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When could manifest be used to replace evident?

In some situations, the words manifest and evident are roughly equivalent. However, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

In what contexts can obvious take the place of evident?

While the synonyms obvious and evident are close in meaning, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When might patent be a better fit than evident?

While in some cases nearly identical to evident, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to evident?

Although the words plain and evident have much in common, 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 evident The publication also noted that improvements to the heat shield were evident, despite engineers deliberately testing the system under increasingly demanding conditions. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026 That was evident at his memorial service, where about 650 people gathered to pay their respects. Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 At Dior, opulent volume played a central role, which was particularly evident in the fashion house’s signature Bar Jackets, whose sweeping peplum cuts clearly accentuated the hip area. Kelly Niesen, Glamour, 24 July 2026 Even so, the impact she’s already made with her experience, energy and depth has been evident. Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • Never has that been more apparent than on petal, the star’s eighth studio album and her first to release via her own imprint, BabyDoll Music, as a subsidiary of Republic.
    Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026
  • Initially, authorities said there were no apparent indications of foul play and that Wells could have drowned, noting the area is known for its dangerous rip currents.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • From a distance, the color nearly blended with Anderson’s skin; the height became considerably more obvious in profile.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • In its rush to chase clicks, the league publicly showcased a wager that appeared to raise obvious questions under its own CBA.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In Kurzweil’s version, the singularity involves an unmistakable break in which machine intelligence overtakes humanity and technological progress becomes impossible to predict.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 27 July 2026
  • Brabus has spent almost five decades applying its unmistakable design language to some of the world’s most powerful machines.
    Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • High school athletes have four years to put themselves in the best possible position to be noticed by college recruiters, and playing time is hard to come by for most underclassmen.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
  • Our priority is to help as many team members as possible transition into opportunities within our other Sushi Confidential locations.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • But this would really be for your own peace of mind and in the interests of keeping clear lines of communication open.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 28 July 2026
  • That challenge becomes even clearer when lawmakers consider how dramatically HOAs vary across North Carolina.
    Nora O'Neill July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • There is also a fair amount of misinformation circulating on social media and plenty of unanswered questions about the process as a whole — and many don’t have straightforward answers.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
  • Harmony Taylor, a partner at Law Firm Carolinas and the former chair of the North Carolina Community Association Institute Legislative Action Committee, said many HOA proposals appear straightforward when they’re first introduced.
    Nora O'Neill July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on evident

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster