seeming 1 of 3

Definition of seemingnext

seeming

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noun

seeming

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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
Of the seeming lack of Hollywood attention this year? Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 12 May 2026 The food is rustic and cosmopolitan at once — bright, monumental salads, whole carrots and leeks baptized by fire, skeins of pasta, and Parmigiano snowing down — but the secret is the seeming effortlessness. Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Noun
From there, Toluca dictated terms with seeming ease, while SDFC appeared to wear down 1 1/2 miles above sea level. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026 Instead, with ample contracts to put in play and the seeming need for a shakeup amid a recent 7-9 run that has Erik Spoelstra’s team trending toward a fourth consecutive trip to the play-in round — silence. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
The expansion of the NCAA Tournament is here despite the vast majority of those involved in college basketball not seeming to be sold on the move whatsoever. Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026 Granted, this is the closest to the Force seeming real in the whole film, but a cynical Han Solo could just surmise that Motti was having a panic attack because a seven-foot-tall man in a scary mask is threatening him. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for seeming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming
Adjective
  • The Georgia city’s northwest Buckhead neighborhood has been overrun in the last couple of weeks by empty, driverless ride-share vehicles due to an apparent routing behavior issue.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
  • Their apparent approach will culminate in a spectacular conjunction on June 9, when the two brightest planets in the night sky appear exceptionally close together after sunset.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Still, his touchdown with a minute remaining in the regular-season finale helped Pittsburgh win its first division title since 2020, and Rodgers secure his his first postseason appearance since 2021.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 May 2026
  • Leaders of the organization say that in an election year, some lawmakers appeared to have prioritized appearances over the state’s long-term economic growth.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Plus, the addition of a cuff adds a more polished aesthetic that prevents you from looking frumpy at the office or dinner.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
  • Its servers are generally older women who, frankly, all seem to be looking forward to the end of their shifts.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • White also announced that Paddy Pimblett will return to face Benoit Saint-Denis, and hyped heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson will make his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison.
    Mark Puleo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • The neurologist checked the right side of his face; the better neurologist checked the left.
    Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • My long, cold period of feeling relegated as a writer was over.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • For many families, barriers to care stem not only from transportation or cost, but from feeling misunderstood, unseen, or unable to communicate comfortably with providers.
    Maria Bledsoe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • From the standpoint of productivity, however, ephemera often seems counter to efficiency—to getting a coherent story down on paper and ready for publication as soon as humanly possible.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Investigators are examining possible anti-Islamic writings found in the car where police found the dead suspects, two senior law enforcement officials said.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Thoughtful touches, like gifting departing guests with delicate shell necklaces, make a lasting impression.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • In his Lipton impression, Ferrell stared down his celebrity guests while asking them intense and pretentious questions.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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