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 In a sport where just one player can change lives and where a market like theirs should offer a manifest destiny, the team delivered, mostly, pain. — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026
Verb
Rather, the momentary absence of superconductivity seemed to allow a pseudogap to manifest. — Sven Badoux, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026 These scholars support a growing chorus of voices calling for accountability when hate is manifested. — Arun Brahmbhatt, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
The plan was for Diana and Marks to fly with British Airways, which had been alerted that a VIP guest would be on their manifest from London to Milan, and settle in for a two-night stay at the city’s Four Seasons hotel. — Allie Merriam, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026 The aurora will most likely manifest near the Canadian border, potentially appearing in Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for manifest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manifest
Adjective
  • The relationship between fashion and place is also evident in the experiences luxury houses bring to Houston.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • That much was evident by the scoring, so low that the 36-hole cut came at 5-under 137.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As case counts surged in the initial months of the outbreak, population and demographic data revealed who was shouldering the greatest burdens.
    — Julie Morita, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Medical examinations initially revealed no major injury, but his condition deteriorated.
    — Lance B. Fulford, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The richest man in America, Elon Musk, has also at times appeared to have the thinnest skin, and embodies a generation of tech figures obsessed by what strangers say about them on social media.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The results are most effective when the lyrics are tight and embody the colorful feelings that Greene’s music often evokes.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Nasdaq 100 has about 70% of its index weight in companies that depend on AI, from semiconductor manufacturers and Big Tech giants to cloud platforms and software providers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • This week, Indonesian equities experienced another round of panic selling, triggered by reports that major index provider MSCI is considering downgrading the country's stock market status.
    — , CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The objective was to verify safety aspects, logistical parameters related to handling and loading, as well as the system’s ability to manage pressure and blast effects during launch.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Retail job postings have gone up 61%, Indeed said, but other roles are also available with loading and stocking jobs up 9%, sales roles increasing 8% and customer service positions rising 6%, as shoppers continue to purchase items online.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • One account describes an unusual encounter that raises questions about the object’s flight characteristics and apparent lack of detectable heat.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Commenters seem amused by the apparent gaffe and have chosen to convey their feelings through a plethora of puns, jokes and memes.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • While reconfiguring bedding and bath areas, sheet walls displaying Threshold and other labels are being redone to showcase the attributes of the different sheets.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The space also displays visual art from the local arts community, including a 24-foot dragon sculpture that hangs from the ceiling.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Gyurov has often expressed firm support for Ukraine and signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv during his premiership.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • For weeks, head coach Andy Reid has expressed confidence in Butker.
    — Sam McDowell October 25, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Manifest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manifest. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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