SEEMING Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

seeming 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of seeming next

as in apparent

appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed a seeming contradiction that disappeared upon closer analysis of the text

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

seeming

2 of 3

noun

ˈsē-miŋ

as in appearance

outward and often deceptive indication her altruism is all seeming—she cares only about herself

Synonyms & Similar Words

seeming

3 of 3

verb

present participle of seem

as in looking

to give the impression of being I tried to cheer them up because they seemed depressed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

the ostensible reason for their visit

How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

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

For lots of college basketball fans, what makes March Madness special is the seeming randomness of it. —

Tim Rohan, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026 The quiet crisis behind the seams Despite the seeming health of Kojima Jeans Street’s denim industry, a labor crisis is quietly simmering beneath the surface. —

Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026

Noun

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 The hiatus makes The Rip the kind of nostalgia-inducing star vehicle that should pique viewers’ curiosity—which is why its seeming disinterest in the leads’ personal connection is so bizarre. —

David Sims, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026

Verb

The resulting works were breathtaking, immersing the viewer in luminous veils of paint that swept across the canvas, seeming to splash back up from the bottom, creating an enveloping sense of tranquility and awe that pushed against the jittery energy of Abstract Expressionism. —

News Desk, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026 Though reluctant to draw a direct line between the recent rise in temperatures across the region and the seeming rise in snakebites, Andrew Dowd, public information officer for the Ventura County Fire Department, said warm weather typically brings out wildlife. —

Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seeming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming

Adjective

Some are not much more apparent than a telephone pole.

— Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
What wasn't hidden was their apparent glee.

— Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026

Definition of apparent

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seemed

seeming

seemingly

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“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of seeming

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