patent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of patentnext
1
as in copyright

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in grant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

patent

2 of 2

adjective

ˈpa-tᵊnt How to pronounce patent (audio)
1
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation unfortunately, the patent stupidity of the proposal did not deter the city council from putting it up for a vote

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blatant
very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad a patent error that should have been caught before the book was published

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective patent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of patent are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

How are the words apparent and evident related as synonyms of patent?

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

for no apparent reason

When would clear be a good substitute for patent?

In some situations, the words clear and patent are roughly equivalent. However, clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When can distinct be used instead of patent?

The words distinct and patent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

Where would evident be a reasonable alternative to patent?

The synonyms evident and patent are sometimes interchangeable, but evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When is it sensible to use manifest instead of patent?

The words manifest and patent can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

When could obvious be used to replace patent?

The meanings of obvious and patent largely overlap; however, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When might plain be a better fit than patent?

While the synonyms plain and patent are close in meaning, 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 patent
Noun
The Homecourt team is especially proud that the Laundry Concentrate formula is patent pending. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 What’s more, Stacked’s patent-pending snap-in design makes blade replacement a breeze. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Tech companies file patent infringement lawsuits all the time — BlackBerry just sued Facebook for patent infringement last week. —Kurt Wagner, Recode, 17 Mar. 2018 The researchers gathered data on how many different provisions of patent law each examiner invoked, on the theory that a more effective examiner would invoke more patent law provisions, on average. —Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, 5 Mar. 2018 See All Example Sentences for patent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patent
  1. copyright
  2. grant
  3. obvious
  4. blatant
  5. trademark
  6. charter
  7. apparent
  8. glaring
Noun
  • Kerr’s widow, the novelist Jane Thynne, owns the copyright in the Bernie Gunther novels through their company Thynker Ltd c/o United Agents.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Protecting your edge with legal safeguards Patents and copyrights can be helpful defensive moats, especially for deep tech companies.
    — Check Warner MBE, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of copyright
Noun
  • The Facts: In August 2024, Power Forward Communities, a consortium of groups aimed at lowering housing costs and utility bills, received a $2 billion grant from the EPA.
    — Leslie Dickstein, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
  • David Walt, a professor at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Womens’ Hospital who develops diagnostics, was told April 14, the same day as the Harvard announcement, that his federal grant worth $300,000 a year was immediately terminated.
    — Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of grant
Adjective
  • With such a depleted draft stash, the Bucks don't have any obvious levers to pull to help bolster their supporting cast alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Hague lamented the rush to reach a deal in the absence of any obvious pressure on Russia but with an intense focus on obtaining for the U.S. the mineral wealth of Ukraine.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of obvious
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
Noun
  • The eighty-one-year-old Crumb, dressed in a long dark coat and his trademark fedora and Coke-bottle glasses, looked over his drawings as if trying to place old acquaintances at a party.
    — Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Warhorse bandmates drummer Tre Cool and bassist Mike Dirnt assaulted their instruments with their trademark goofiness and aggression, with three other touring members helping fill the massive venue with a legion of guitars and keys.
    — Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of trademark
Noun
  • Both shows indicate qualified attendees serious about a charter or yacht purchase.
    — Kathleen Turner, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported on Monday that crypto firms including Circle and BitGo are planning to apply for bank charters and licenses.
    — Julia Shapero, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of charter
Adjective
  • To a casual observer, the difference between o1 and o1-pro might not be immediately apparent, yet the performance gap in business tasks can be substantial.
    — Andrew Filev, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This is most apparent in the different choices of former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • 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
  • Fast evaluation Banks may feel like an underwhelming pick given the glaring need at QB.
    — Larry Holder, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of glaring

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Cite this Entry

“Patent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patent. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patent

Nglish: Translation of patent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patent

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