Synonyms of evident

evident

adjective

ˈe-və-dənt 

1

as in apparent

appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed

the evident cause of the accident was icy road conditions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• apparent
• presumed
• possible
• obvious
• seeming
• probable
• supposed
• assumed
• ostensible
• prima facie
• reputed
• alleged
• putative
• plausible
• visible
• likely
• superficial
• ostensive
• demonstrable
• distinct
• outward
• conceivable
• manifest
• external
• supposable
• clear
• claimed
• misleading
• deceptive
• illusory
• purported
• imaginary
• plain
• illusive
• specious
• delusive
• professed
• pseudo
• feigned
• phony
• delusory
• fake
• faked
• pretended
• put-on
• so-called

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hidden
• impossible
• unlikely
• inconceivable
• real
• actual
• improbable
• implausible
• confirmed
• sure
• inapparent
• valid
• genuine
• established
• substantiated
• corroborated
• validated
• verified
• authenticated

2

as in obvious

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation

the man was discovered dead in his apartment, but there were no evident signs of foul play

Synonyms & Similar Words

• apparent
• obvious
• unmistakable
• clear
• straightforward
• distinct
• visible
• manifest
• palpable
• broad
• decided
• transparent
• simple
• unequivocal
• lucid
• noticeable
• ringing
• plain
• unambiguous
• clear-cut
• crystal clear
• luminous
• perspicuous
• patent
• understandable
• bald
• pellucid
• tangible
• barefaced
• comprehensible
• explicit
• intelligible
• unambivalent
• bright-line
• nonambiguous
• open-and-shut
• luculent
• recognizable
• appreciable
• bald-faced
• perceptible
• discernible
• overt
• knowable
• observable
• cognizable
• self-evident
• digestible
• uncomplicated
• tidy
• undisguised
• fathomable
• self-explanatory
• sensible
• comprehendible
• graspable
• clean-cut
• trenchant
• cognoscible
• readable
• legible
• black-and-white
• decipherable
• clean
• well-defined
• fair

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unclear
• ambiguous
• obscure
• mysterious
• dark
• indistinct
• equivocal
• clouded
• enigmatic
• cryptic
• incomprehensible
• unfathomable
• unintelligible
• unapparent
• imperceptible
• indecipherable
• subtle
• unknowable
• vague
• inappreciable
• gray
• nonobvious
• unclarified
• obfuscated
• impalpable
• insensible
• sketchy
• indeterminate
• indefinite
• slippery
• imprecise
• hazy
• indiscernible
• nebulous
• cloudy
• noncommittal
• murky
• misty
• illegible
• unreadable
• gauzy
• undecipherable

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective evident contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of evident are apparent, clear, distinct, manifest, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

How do apparent and evident relate to one another?

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

for no apparent reason

When can clear be used instead of evident?

The meanings of clear and evident largely overlap; however, clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

When would distinct be a good substitute for evident?

The words distinct and evident can be used in similar contexts, but distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When could manifest be used to replace evident?

In some situations, the words manifest and evident are roughly equivalent. However, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

In what contexts can obvious take the place of evident?

While the synonyms obvious and evident are close in meaning, obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

When might patent be a better fit than evident?

While in some cases nearly identical to evident, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

Where would plain be a reasonable alternative to evident?

Although the words plain and evident have much in common, plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of evident

Emidio Oceguera, owner and founder of Cerdito Muerto, which translates to the Dead Piglet in Spanish, clearly conjured powerful spirit guides, evident in his painstaking transformation of a historic building that survived not only the Great Chicago Fire but also real estate development. —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound Miller will join five-star commitment Maxwell Hiller in the 2027 class and line up inside for offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, whose recruiting impact has been evident since new head coach Jon Sumrall hired him in December. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026

There’s an evident character Sullivan and Hafley are looking for with many of their picks, similar to what linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, a second-round pick, was for Texas Tech. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026

Kennedy’s overhaul of the group and its unfamiliarity with some of the nitty-gritty of procedural requirements was evident throughout the afternoon. —O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026