manifest 1 of 3

Definition of manifestnext

manifest

2 of 3

verb

manifest

3 of 3

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective manifest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manifest are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of manifest?

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

for no apparent reason

When could clear be used to replace manifest?

The words clear and manifest can be used in similar contexts, but 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 manifest?

The meanings of distinct and manifest largely overlap; however, 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 manifest?

While in some cases nearly identical to manifest, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to manifest?

While the synonyms obvious and manifest 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 can patent be used instead of manifest?

The words patent and manifest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 manifest?

Although the words plain and manifest have much in common, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

How does the adjective manifest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manifest are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of manifest?

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

for no apparent reason

When could clear be used to replace manifest?

The words clear and manifest can be used in similar contexts, but 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 manifest?

The meanings of distinct and manifest largely overlap; however, 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 manifest?

While in some cases nearly identical to manifest, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to manifest?

While the synonyms obvious and manifest 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 can patent be used instead of manifest?

The words patent and manifest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 manifest?

Although the words plain and manifest have much in common, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

How does the adjective manifest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manifest are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of manifest?

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

for no apparent reason

When could clear be used to replace manifest?

The words clear and manifest can be used in similar contexts, but 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 manifest?

The meanings of distinct and manifest largely overlap; however, 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 manifest?

While in some cases nearly identical to manifest, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to manifest?

While the synonyms obvious and manifest 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 can patent be used instead of manifest?

The words patent and manifest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 manifest?

Although the words plain and manifest 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 manifest
Adjective
A lot of what’s gone on is just multiple expansion, optimism about a weaker dollar, excitement about consumer spending trends overseas and other ephemeral ideas that haven’t yet become manifest in the companies’ actual results. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026 The chance to get the scoop on the scandal straight from the mouth of the man who made it, as well as his living-the-dream experience of working alongside his hero, is enough to make this required viewing for anyone interested in hip-hop legacies and fanboy fantasies made manifest. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
This empire is manifesting in different ways. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026 With billions of dollars at stake, the conflicts manifest in sharp skirmishes in the Legislature, in courts and in the ballot measure arena. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
Fields have ripples that manifest as pointlike particles. Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026 On our April Mediterranean sailing—he ship’s third since its maiden voyage—the manifest ran the gamut. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • Ri’s process is evident in the surfaces themselves — scratched, layered, built up, and worn down.
    Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Wilson’s Defense of Batula Amid Kyle Cooke Drama Wilson’s closeness to Batula was already evident to viewers this season, particularly during a tense on‑camera argument between Batula and Cooke that escalated late one night.
    Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Investigators say that their preliminary findings revealed that the utility truck was turning left from the driveway of the Edison substation on Menifee Road when the collision occurred.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • No date revealed yet for the Hunt-Green merger.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Bringing fans together—alongside Barbie role models, designers, partners and global icons who embody the true spirit of Barbie—was at the heart of this event.
    Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Illinois embodies that mindset this year.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Asia-Pacific markets whipsawed in volatile trading on Tuesday, with major indices flipping to losses in the morning session, as uncertainty surrounding the war weighs on investor sentiment.
    Hugh Leask,Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
  • All three indices remain below pre-Iran war levels.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Two loading docks that previously housed trash dumpsters for the older building have been reclaimed as a visualization lab and a robotics lab.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Russia’s key Baltic port of Ust-Luga resumed crude loading after days of disruptions amid multiple Ukrainian drone attacks in the region.
    Bloomberg, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Some are not much more apparent than a telephone pole.
    Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • What wasn't hidden was their apparent glee.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And, to honor the occasion, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (Mucem), in Marseille, decided to display a guillotine in full view.
    Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
  • French cheeses displayed in a store in Paris.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Members of the Haitian community were among those who spoke, expressing gratitude and mourning her absence.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The president also expressed frustration about some of the coverage of the sensitive military operation, NBC reported.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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