Definition of manifestnext

manifest

2 of 3

verb

manifest

3 of 3

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective manifest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manifest are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, obvious, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

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

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

for no apparent reason

When could clear be used to replace manifest?

The words clear and manifest can be used in similar contexts, 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 manifest?

The meanings of distinct and manifest largely overlap; however, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When might evident be a better fit than manifest?

While in some cases nearly identical to manifest, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

Where would obvious be a reasonable alternative to manifest?

While the synonyms obvious and manifest 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 can patent be used instead of manifest?

The words patent and manifest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When is plain a more appropriate choice than manifest?

Although the words plain and manifest have much in common, 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 manifest
Adjective
To enter this anniversary uncritically — wrapped in flags and the mythology of manifest destiny — is to be bamboozled. Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 Such waste is collected and transported by authorized agencies under a manifest system that tracks its movement from generation to final treatment or disposal. Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
Verb
That’s just one example of how World Cup fever is manifesting in New York City and the States. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026 Rabies is preventable if this regimen is administered quickly but is almost invariably fatal once symptoms manifest. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 29 June 2026
Noun
In its 250th year, America thrives as a living expression of God’s promise manifest through freedom. Sara O'Meara, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026 As the passenger manifest is still being traced, Mugono said authorities are still collecting data on the total number of fatalities. ABC News, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • The camaraderie was evident on the ground here in La Guaira, the coastal city where quake damage was most severe, collapsing dozens of buildings.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • That rotation was quite evident in our portfolio across Wednesday and Thursday, with the likes of AI winner Corning selling off hard and once-unloved Johnson & Johnson finishing the week at a record close.
    Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Then in 2025, Deschanel revealed that initial casting choice in question was Katie Holmes.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026
  • However, Luna’s close proximity with Chiron in Taurus can also reveal where our attachment to safety and comfort has essentially inhibited us from our own potential.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Led by husband-and-wife team Austin and Olivia Kelleher, each headcover is made in the Hudson Valley and embodies sustainability, artistry, and the enduring spirit of the game.
    RS Editors, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026
  • Their solution targets embodied carbon, the emissions baked into the hardware before it is ever switched on, encompassing all the energy and process gases consumed in manufacturing it.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
  • The air quality index measures the amount of fine particulate pollution in the air.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Fuel rods for the Aalo-X Critical Test Reactor were manufactured by GE Vernova’s Global Nuclear Fuel business and delivered to the Idaho site in April before the reactor received approval for fuel loading and startup.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026
  • Its all-new VL45 Plus combines the advantages of top-loading and door fridges with a triple-access system that all but eliminates the need for a separate slide costing hundreds of dollars.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • This comes after dozens of leading Mexican sports outlets reported the time change — after apparent briefing — as did the BBC, which has rights to the game in the UK.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026
  • Anybody who is anybody is making their way to New York’s Madison Square Garden dressed to the nines in an apparent march to get to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The lethality of the Russian assaults on Kyiv in the past week displays the challenge Ukraine faces in protecting its capital as Russia innovates and steps up its attacks.
    Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • While your site displays static portfolio shots, Instagram can show the messy but rich middle—the tricky client requests, the material samples, the iteration process that turns a concept into reality.
    Danine Alati, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Several organizations of institutional investors and auditing professionals, as well as a tsunami of individual investors, expressed opposition.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Some former candidates in this year's primary contests for governor, the Senate and the House have already expressed interest in replacing Platner on the ballot.
    Garrett Downs, CNBC, 7 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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