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 was the details that Secretary of Defense Hegseth provided on the strike plans. —Dakota Rudesill, The Conversation, 29 Mar. 2025 Other risk assessments by the center have been posted by the CDC even though their conclusions might seem obvious. —Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 28 Mar. 2025 Ruptures in saline implants are usually obvious, as the implant deflates and the saline is absorbed. —Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025 The reigning Stanley Cup champions are contenders once again, which is an obvious reason for the Panthers to be risers year-over-year. —Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 27 Mar. 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
  • To a casual observer, the difference between o1 and o1-pro might not be immediately apparent, yet the performance gap in business tasks can be substantial.
    — Andrew Filev, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This is most apparent in the different choices of former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • One blatant obstacle: enterprise leaders are often cautious in welcoming technology.
    — Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.D., Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • What’s next: After the blatant inconsistencies in the Israeli account were revealed, the military seemed to move more quickly than usual to address the issue.
    — Natasha Frost, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • The fact that Affleck and Lopez have been committed to staying close with each other’s kids has been evident since the early days of the divorce rumors.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Clark's influence on the popularity of women's basketball over the last year has been evident in various statistics.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • Speed and a legitimate vertical threat were arguably the two most glaring weaknesses in the Cowboys receiver room last season.
    — MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Kendrick Lamar Performs Drake Diss Track for First Time, Hits Stage with Dr. Dre: 'A Cultural Moment' The owl imagery at the end was perhaps the most glaring reference fans caught onto.
    — Marina Watts, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of glaring
Adjective
  • Immediate Action Required: The urgency is unmistakable.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • His speech contained an unmistakable warning for Bolsonaro.
    — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The email should be approximately 250 words, maintain a confident but not technical tone, emphasize the business benefits rather than technical specifications, and include a clear call to action for scheduling a demo.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The pattern is clear, and the list of terminations is growing.
    — Angel Algarin, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • This should be straightforward and create as little of a mess as possible.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Opening a Swiss bank account is fairly straightforward but has to comply with strict U.S. disclosure laws.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • The Justice Department is considering a plan to merge the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), both of which often collaborate but have distinct missions.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The title drop, when a line of dialogue references the film’s title, is a delicate art with a distinct cult following.
    — Donald Liebenson, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinct

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obviation
obvious
obviously
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Cite this Entry

“Obvious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obvious. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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