evident

adjective

ˈe-və-dənt How to pronounce evident (audio)
Definition of evidentnext
1
as in apparent
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed the evident cause of the accident was icy road conditions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation the man was discovered dead in his apartment, but there were no evident signs of foul play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 His film isn’t bitter about matters of the heart or intended to be a damning indictment on the hazards of relationships — as is evident by an ingenious closing scene, a perfect capper to the this sly metaphorical-rich genre film. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 31 July 2025 The knowledge gap is evident in the everyday decisions students and recent graduates make. —Jane Swift, Fortune, 31 July 2025 Still, his initial quickness and coordination in space are evident on film. —Dane Brugler, New York Times, 31 July 2025 And the guild’s legacy and influence is still evident today, acting as a coordinating body marking Danish royal celebrations and as a framework for this new wave of illustrious bakeries. —Carinne Geil Botta, Vogue, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
  1. apparent
  2. obvious
  3. unmistakable
  4. possible
  5. clear
  6. straightforward
  7. distinct
Adjective
  • While the vehicle successfully reached the Earth's orbit, an apparent propellant leak caused a loss of altitude.
    — Meredith Kile, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • However, obstacles, chief among them the Kings’ apparent commitment to patience and prudence, abound.
    — Sam Amick, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • Seal obvious gaps around the foundation and under doors, says Bertone.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 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
  • 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
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
  • Days before Pirro's confirmation, Trump directed lawmakers to postpone their summer recess and clear a backlog of nominees whose confirmations had been delayed by Democrats over objections to his agenda, including judicial nominees.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025
  • The path is potentially clear for a Fantastic Four three-peat at next week's domestic cage match, though one film may possess the power to overtake the title.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • Usually, first-round contracts are straightforward, with terms outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.
    — Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 24 July 2025
  • Watching the Dragon Ball franchise in release order is fairly straightforward.
    — Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • Tyr was a god of war, similar—though distinct—to Mars in Roman mythology.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • However, they are now categorized as two distinct entities.3 C3G and IC-MPGN both have a high risk of progression to kidney failure.
    — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
Definition of distinct

Browse Nearby Words

evidencing
evident
evidently
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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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