Definition of evidentnext
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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 Nowhere perhaps was the searing heat more evident than at Melbourne Park, where the usual crowds thronging outside the Australian Open tennis tournament dwindled to a ghost town as temperatures soared. CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026 All that work has resulted in a highly distinctive design DNA, which is evident in the Villa 50. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2026 That mindset is evident in the company’s approach to microencapsulation. Wyles Daniel, Sacbee.com, 27 Jan. 2026 The frustration was evident during last week’s introductory hearings for budget committees. Dan Walters, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for evident
Adjective
  • But the security pitfalls are equally apparent.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • One month later, Epstein died in an apparent suicide while awaiting trial at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Heat are muddling along with a roster that isn’t good enough to do anything of significance, have no young player with obvious star upside, can’t create significant cap room for at least two more years and owe a future pick to the Hornets from the disastrous Terry Rozier trade.
    Nick Friedell, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
  • There is no obvious sign any of the officers were injured.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While there’s been some chatter about the possibility of a zero-hour reprieve, as talks with potential investors are ongoing, the recent cancellation of the nine MLB contracts is said to have made the unmistakable sound of the other shoe dropping.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Elijah’s pride in his mother is unmistakable.
    Adrienne Farr, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • With just one point out of a possible 10 during this home stand, this team now feels more akin to the one that spun nearly out of control in November and December.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Japan’s Finance Minister said the government will coordinate with the US on currency responses when necessary, as market participants grow increasingly wary of possible coordinated action between Washington and Tokyo.
    Erica Yokoyama, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Anatomy of a Merger — Jim Freund A clear, deal-lawyer’s view of how acquisitions unfold, from negotiation through closing and early integration.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Hood said interstates and main highways are pretty clear, but many rural county roads are probably still covered in ice.
    Bill Bowden, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Consider it a straightforward way to lock in international travel without juggling flights.
    Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Here's how to create the optimal environment for seed-starting, plus straightforward tips for increasing your germination success.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/evident. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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