seeming 1 of 3

seeming

2 of 3

noun

seeming

3 of 3

verb

present participle of seem

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent, illusory, and ostensible. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

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 seeming
Adjective
Single digit morning temperatures, windchills below zero and the seeming constant hum of a furnace working overtime to keep indoors temperatures livable. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2023 That said, overall investment in healthcare is really just back to 2019 levels, a seeming regression to the mean after the pandemic spurred investment capital into areas like drug development, telehealth and other parts of the healthcare industry. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023
Noun
The second point is about the author’s seeming misunderstanding about the importance of software. David A. Teich, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 One seeming point of agreement among publicists is that the scandal has embarrassed the profession as a whole. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
The most persuasive people are able to prove their point without seeming manipulative or ill-intended. Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2024 While seeming meager by today’s equipment standards, these supplies were critical for the volunteers. John Laycock, Baltimore Sun, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for seeming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming
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
  • What could draw such large predators to an apparent oceanic desert?
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Gellar sports a statement jacket during her appearance at the Today show on April 23 in New York City.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The platforms allow the hem of the pants to fall gracefully without dragging on the floor, which is essential to maintaining an impeccable appearance.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Italy wing-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo (No 22) started the inquest, pointing with his right arm and looking in the direction of his central-defender team-mate Alessandro Bastoni.
    Stuart James, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is looking for volunteers for its annual tree-planting event next month.
    Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But markets are betting on more stimulus being rolled out soon in the face of the escalating China-U.S. trade war.
    Hannah Lang and Rae Wee, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In each instance, the duties of the office transfigured the man into a sign and symbol of hope in the face of death.
    The Editors, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • My Maryland street is proof of that and offers a call for states and the rest of the world to carry on the fight for climate solutions as fast as possible.
    Mike Tidwell, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Many Andor fans weren’t happy to learn that Disney+ intended to release the show’s second and final season in weekly three-episode chunks, as if the streamer were eager to be done with this outlier entry in the Star Wars franchise as quickly as possible.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The scientists, led by fossil track specialist Conner Bennett, used advanced 3D imaging techniques to identify and analyze four sets of vertebrate trace fossils, including impressions left behind by prehistoric birds, mammals, lizards and invertebrates.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Chido Obi has made such an impression in fleeting senior cameos that not registering the 17-year-old for the Europa League could be regarded as an oversight.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Strider was frustrated for obvious reasons and searching for answers.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 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
Noun
  • That kind of knowledge production has, in effect, been automated.
    D. Graham Burnett, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Louisiana Louisiana’s law went into effect Jan. 1 requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, but the state hasn't issued guidance on what documentation residents need.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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