obvious

adjective

ˈäb-vē-əs How to pronounce obvious (audio)
Definition of obviousnext
1
as in apparent
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation that remark was an obvious joke, so lighten up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blatant
very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad obvious errors in the book that the editor or proofreader should have caught

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obvious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obvious are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

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

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

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than obvious?

The synonyms clear and obvious are sometimes interchangeable, 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 obvious?

While in some cases nearly identical to obvious, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When is it sensible to use evident instead of obvious?

Although the words evident and obvious have much in common, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When might manifest be a better fit than obvious?

The words manifest and obvious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

When would patent be a good substitute for obvious?

While the synonyms patent and obvious are close in meaning, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When could plain be used to replace obvious?

In some situations, the words plain and obvious are roughly equivalent. However, 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 obvious Bokeh is an obvious concern with any bright lens, but especially one with a telephoto focal range. —PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 In the music video, the 27-year-old slinks around in a nude crystal bodysuit—an obvious homage to Spears—and gamely takes on choreographed sequences with a shirtless male dance partner. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025 This fact helps explain the strong bipartisan consensus, now entering its second decade, that unfettered free trade is not an obvious good. —Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Carro's paper suggests that obvious sycophancy significantly reduces user trust. —ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obvious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obvious
  1. apparent
  2. blatant
  3. evident
  4. glaring
  5. unmistakable
  6. clear
  7. straightforward
  8. distinct
Adjective
  • The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the city DEP both cited the MTA earlier this month when an apparent overflow in the depot’s sewage ejection pit ran off into nearby storm drains, spilling what DEC inspectors estimated to be 50 gallons of waste into the bay.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Federal prosecutors also appeared to reveal today that Combs had rejected an apparent plea deal.
    — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • And if the Yavin material is blatant stalling, much of it is entertaining stalling, offering some welcome dark comedy to leaven some of the heavier material elsewhere.
    — Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025
  • There must also be a clear distinction between errors made in the course of legitimate military operations and intentionally directing attacks against civilians, which is Hamas' standard practice and a blatant war crime.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • Clark's influence on the popularity of women's basketball over the last year has been evident in various statistics.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Political representatives are sensitive to elections, as is evident in the close races in Florida on April 1.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • The Jets have a glaring need at right tackle after Morgan Moses left in free agency to sign with the rival Patriots.
    — Antwan Staley, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The jaw-dropping trade pairs Hunter with quarterback Trevor Lawrence and bolsters a defensive backfield that had a glaring need at cornerback.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of glaring
Adjective
  • She’s been wildly influential without ever being less than unmistakable; no matter what sonic, thematic or characteristic elements other artists may borrow from her, none of them would ever risk being taken for Lana herself.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The song, a collaboration between The Pogues frontman MacGowan and the unmistakable O’Connor, reenters the Official Physical Singles chart at No. 18.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The series’ take on the subscription-service economy is clear from the first episode.
    — Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Netanyahu’s office made clear in its Thursday statements that its position has not budged.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • This should be straightforward and create as little of a mess as possible.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Opening a Swiss bank account is fairly straightforward but has to comply with strict U.S. disclosure laws.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • Epic Universe, the $7 billion attraction from Comcast Corp.’s Universal Destinations & Experiences division, offers five distinct lands and opens to the public on May 22.
    — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Harvard University’s endowment, worth $53.2 billion at the end of its 2024 fiscal year, for example, consists of roughly 14,600 distinct funds.
    — Todd L. Ely, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinct

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Cite this Entry

“Obvious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obvious. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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