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
As a result, if an AI independently develops a novel trading strategy, the entity deploying that AI could be exposed, without patent protection, copyright coverage, or a clear paper trail. —Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 One inventor was listed on almost 1,400 patents granted in 2023, which would require nearly four inventions per day. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 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
  • One answer is a time before copyright law existed (more on that later).
    — Bill Hochberg, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Students in the class are helped by mentors such as Jason Berta, who began teaching math at Marist four years ago after practicing patent, trademark and copyright law for 12 years.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Definition of copyright
Noun
  • The city had sought an Environmental Protection Agency grant last year to pay for the removal cost, but missed the grant cycle at the time.
    — Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2025
  • Tax filings show the foundation gave away more than $325,000 in grants for scholarships, fellowships and cash awards in 2023.
    — James Pollard, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
Definition of grant
Adjective
  • Lionsgate post-Starz spin-off would be the most obvious choice, without the weight of cable networks on both sides and with a host of still-viable Lionsgate franchises including John Wick, The Hunger Games and Saw.
    — Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sending in the National Guard was an obvious military flex, designed to to bait Angelenos while perhaps distracting Americans from Trump’s far greater troubles.
    — Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Definition of obvious
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
Noun
  • The Stanley Heritage Thermos is a modern version of the classic containers, featuring a 1.1-quart capacity, stainless steel body, and the brand's trademark vacuum insulation that can keep dad's beverage of choice hot or cold for an impressive 24 hours.
    — Ars Staff, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025
  • The Modes trademark was not part of the procedure, allowing Garments Milano to use it for the new course after leasing the Modes company’s retail branch.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
Definition of trademark
Noun
  • Or get out on the water with a fishing charter for some Florida angling and scallop diving.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • The board voted in September 2024 to renew St. Hope’s charter with conditions to be outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) completed by June 2025.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of charter
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
  • This is bad enough, but what really concerns me is the apparent inability of the president and those advising him to consider the secondary or tertiary consequences of their decisions.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Definition of apparent
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

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Cite this Entry

“Patent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patent. Accessed 17 Jun. 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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