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 After devoting countless man-hours to obfuscating in courtrooms and legal briefs, the administration has finally availed itself of this obvious option. —The Editors, National Review, 7 June 2025 Plants can defoliate all their leaves before any sign of the disease is obvious. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025 Working with vocalists seemed like an obvious thing to do for a sequel. —Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025 But in terms of the excitement and electricity, the parallels between Verlander and Skubal are obvious. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 29 May 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
  • When asked where Jean lived, Joseph gave an address that police later identified as Roseau’s, an apparent building on Snyder Ave.
    — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025
  • Overall, what stands out most positively about this limited edition is its apparent focus on capability and heritage over pure aesthetics.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 June 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • Over 260 state legislators from both parties have condemned the move, calling it a blatant overreach that strips communities of the ability to respond to real-world harms.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • The film noir influences that O’Hara is talking about making a blatant part of this production are intriguing.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 4 June 2025
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • This was especially evident this year by the numerous automakers participating in the three classes—Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 June 2025
  • His contrition and regret were evident both through his words and his body language.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • Despite a glaring need at cornerback, the Dolphins were not among the half dozen teams that reached out to former Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander after he was released by the Green Bay Packers on Monday, according to a league source.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
  • Errors only account for the most glaring defensive mistakes and less obvious miscues like missing the cutoff man or throwing to the wrong base don’t show up in the box score but can be just as impactful within a game.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 8 June 2025
Definition of glaring
Adjective
  • So, while Israel is flying the planes, the United States is sending an unmistakable message that its multi-decade strategic partnership with Israel is formidable in the face of threats from anti-American, anti-Western authoritarian regimes.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • An 'unmistakable' long-term trend In practice, investors want to keep their money in the market over decades, and many presidencies.
    — Annie Nova, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The lake’s quiet coves and clear water also offer some of the South’s finest (and most underrated) fishing opportunities for fly anglers.
    — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 16 June 2025
  • Pediatricians and family physicians who have relied on ACIP's clear guidance for patient care now face uncertainty about which vaccines to recommend.
    — Tom Frieden, Time, 16 June 2025
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • All that aside, even without the system transfer, using my Switch 2 has been smooth and straightforward.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The House previously approved a budget bill that contained a fairly straightforward provision to ban state AI regulation for 10 years.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • Pullman Market follows in the footsteps of Eataly before it, but this complex’s concepts are so much more distinct and delicious than anything that forebear has offered.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Research suggests disengagement isn't simply the absence of engagement but a distinct psychological state with its own antecedents and consequences.
    — Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Definition of distinct

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obviation
obvious
obviously
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Cite this Entry

“Obvious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obvious. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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