evident

adjective

ev·​i·​dent ˈe-və-dənt How to pronounce evident (audio)
-və-ˌdent
Synonyms of evident
: clear to the vision or understanding

Synonyms of evident

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evident, manifest, patent, distinct, obvious, apparent, plain, clear mean readily perceived or apprehended.

evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

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

for no apparent reason

plain suggests lack of intricacy, complexity, or elaboration.

her feelings about him are plain

clear implies an absence of anything that confuses the mind or obscures the pattern.

a clear explanation

Examples of evident in a Sentence

She spoke with evident anguish about the death of her son. The problems have been evident for quite some time.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Republican erosion was evident about 45 miles north in New Hampton. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 But the effects of coastal erosion have been most evident at the beach. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 That is most evident with Sydney Sweeney, who became an equity partner and creative director at sports prediction market Novig, shaping its advertising rather than just simply appearing in it. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 This attention to detail and sustainability has always been a key value for the monarch and his ongoing commitment to environmental protection, a commitment particularly evident in the gardens of Highgrove. — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for evident

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin evident-, evidens, from e- + vident-, videns, present participle of vidēre to see — more at wit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of evident was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing evident

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Cite this Entry

“Evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evident. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

evident

adjective
ev·​i·​dent ˈev-əd-ənt How to pronounce evident (audio)
-ə-ˌdent
: clear to the sight or mind : plain
was evident that they were twins
Etymology

Middle English evident "clearly seen or understood," from early French evident (same meaning), from Latin evident-, evidens (same meaning), from e-, ex- "out, away" and vident-, videns, a form of vidēre "to see" — related to vision

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