patent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of patentnext
1
as in copyright

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in grant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

patent

2 of 2

adjective

ˈpa-tᵊnt How to pronounce patent (audio)
1
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation unfortunately, the patent stupidity of the proposal did not deter the city council from putting it up for a vote

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blatant
very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad a patent error that should have been caught before the book was published

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective patent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of patent are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

How are the words apparent and evident related as synonyms of patent?

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

for no apparent reason

When would clear be a good substitute for patent?

In some situations, the words clear and patent are roughly equivalent. However, clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When can distinct be used instead of patent?

The words distinct and patent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

Where would evident be a reasonable alternative to patent?

The synonyms evident and patent are sometimes interchangeable, but evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When is it sensible to use manifest instead of patent?

The words manifest and patent can be used in similar contexts, but manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

When could obvious be used to replace patent?

The meanings of obvious and patent largely overlap; however, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When might plain be a better fit than patent?

While the synonyms plain and patent are close in meaning, 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 patent
Noun
The Homecourt team is especially proud that the Laundry Concentrate formula is patent pending. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 What’s more, Stacked’s patent-pending snap-in design makes blade replacement a breeze. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Tech companies file patent infringement lawsuits all the time — BlackBerry just sued Facebook for patent infringement last week. —Kurt Wagner, Recode, 17 Mar. 2018 The researchers gathered data on how many different provisions of patent law each examiner invoked, on the theory that a more effective examiner would invoke more patent law provisions, on average. —Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, 5 Mar. 2018 See All Example Sentences for patent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patent
  1. copyright
  2. grant
  3. obvious
  4. blatant
  5. trademark
  6. charter
  7. apparent
  8. glaring
Noun
  • It was framed as a copyright infringement lawsuit, rather than a battle over ownership due to a three-year statute of limitations that was maxed out multiple times over because Country Grammar was released 24 years ago.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • What Other Lawsuits Has Taylor Swift Been Involved In? Swift has been sued several times for alleged copyright infringement.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of copyright
Noun
  • The ready-to-wear award went to Rachel Scott of Diotima, which received a grant and access to a Google mentorship program created in partnership with FTUS.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This week, a federal antisemitism task force announced a review of Harvard's federal grants and contracts, worth nearly $9 billion, as the university faces an investigation into campus antisemitism, and Princeton University confirmed dozens of its research grants have been halted.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of grant
Adjective
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In its wildest moments, Coogler’s film seems like a collision of Lovecraft Country with True Blood, though more obvious comparisons will likely be drawn to From Dusk Till Dawn.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • 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
  • One blatant obstacle: enterprise leaders are often cautious in welcoming technology.
    — Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.D., Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of blatant
Noun
  • The eighty-one-year-old Crumb, dressed in a long dark coat and his trademark fedora and Coke-bottle glasses, looked over his drawings as if trying to place old acquaintances at a party.
    — Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Warhorse bandmates drummer Tre Cool and bassist Mike Dirnt assaulted their instruments with their trademark goofiness and aggression, with three other touring members helping fill the massive venue with a legion of guitars and keys.
    — Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of trademark
Noun
  • In the relatively calm, turquoise seas of the Ionian Sea, flotilla yacht charters are great for family and friends seeking easygoing sailing between islands, including Corfu, Lefkas, and Paxos.
    — Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Most travelers who think of deportation flights probably imagine air charter flights in which a full aircraft is chartered to expel a group of migrants.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of charter
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
  • That was apparent during their weekend series at Progressive Field against the reigning American League Central champion Guardians.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of apparent
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

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Cite this Entry

“Patent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patent. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on patent

Nglish: Translation of patent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about patent

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