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

Relevance

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 The entrepreneur and podcaster David Sacks has shaped dramatic and high-impact shifts in US policy with presidential support but little obvious meddling, and emerged as one of the most effective figures in the administration. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 28 July 2025 Seal obvious gaps around the foundation and under doors, says Bertone. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 July 2025 Though the bullpen is an obvious need for LA, the thought is that May could fill that role when the rest of the rotation gets healthy. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025 For some, this might beg what seems, at first glance, an obvious question: Where are the survivors? —Gretchen Carlson, Time, 25 July 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
  • However, obstacles, chief among them the Kings’ apparent commitment to patience and prudence, abound.
    — Sam Amick, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Following the News One Now cancellation in 2017, the value of his decision to use his personal equipment became apparent.
    — Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • The chart’s most cringeworthy attribute is not the blatant inaccuracy, but the disingenuity.
    — Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • One of the most important American service exports is higher education but the Trump Administration in this case has displayed blatant disregard for trade balance with its multi-pronged attack on universities and its hostility to international students.
    — Devashish Mitra, Time, 28 July 2025
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • And that's evident in 2007's Live Free or Die Hard, what with its cyber-terrorism plot and portrayal of McClane as a relic of another era.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The success of this model is evident in real-world applications.
    — SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • This device solves some of the most glaring problems with Samsung's foldables, featuring a new, slimmer design and a big camera upgrade.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025
  • The Red Sox could trade from that depth to address a more glaring need.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 22 July 2025
Definition of glaring
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of unmistakable
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 clear material is durable and thick for long-term use, and it’s paired with colorful trim and a matching strap in blue, red, or black.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 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

obviation
obvious
obviously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on obvious

Nglish: Translation of obvious for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
iykyk if you know you know slang written in a neon
Quiz: Abbreviation Station TFW you have to figure out what 15 abbreviations ...
See All