SEEMING Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'seeming' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent , illusory , and ostensible . While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else. // the seeming simplicity of the story

Q: In what contexts can 'apparent' take the place of 'seeming'?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge. // the apparent cause of the accident

Q: When is it sensible to use 'illusory' instead of 'seeming'?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view. // an illusory sense of security

Q: When could 'ostensible' be used to replace 'seeming'?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one. // the ostensible reason for their visit

seeming 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of seeming

as in apparent

appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed a seeming contradiction that disappeared upon closer analysis of the text

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

seeming

2 of 3

noun

ˈsē-miŋ

as in appearance

outward and often deceptive indication her altruism is all seeming—she cares only about herself

Synonyms & Similar Words

seeming

3 of 3

verb

present participle of seem

as in looking

to give the impression of being I tried to cheer them up because they seemed depressed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective seeming contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of seeming are apparent, illusory, and ostensible. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

In what contexts can apparent take the place of seeming?

The synonyms apparent and seeming are sometimes interchangeable, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is it sensible to use illusory instead of seeming?

The words illusory and seeming can be used in similar contexts, but illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When could ostensible be used to replace seeming?

The words ostensible and seeming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

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 seeming

Adjective

Anger at the seeming inability of successive governments to deal with the issue has been behind a series of demonstrations and riots and has fueled the rise of the hard-right Reform UK party. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 Adding to that sense of inherent agility and the seeming ability to pounce are the standard 21-inch wheels fit with iron brakes, though carbon-ceramic stoppers are also an option. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026

Noun

Nvidia did not immediately respond to Ars’ request to comment on this seeming tension. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026 The current Police Chief has resisted numerous requests for more robust public reporting of the racial demographics and seeming disproportionalities of HCPD’s traffic stops, arrests and use of force. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026

Verb

Even much of that seeming nonsense, though, is ostensibly correct. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 But every character here feels original and individual, even a pair of seeming villains introduced halfway through. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seeming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming

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

Definition of apparent

Noun

After the fracking boom, some pipeline developers raced for market share and cut corners on siting, restoration and appearance.

— Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Counterfeit devices can copy familiar names and appearances while using entirely different hardware.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of appearance

Verb

Ceramides support the skin barrier, while squalane and fatty acids help lock in moisture for a smoother, glowier-looking neck.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
Researchers found that some counterfeit devices even reported legitimate looking Samsung model identifiers.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of looking

Verb

During Monday's Morning Meeting , Jim thought that Microsoft and Amazon would be feeling the most heat to raise funds following Meta's move Monday and Alphabet's $85 billion stock sale over the summer.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Most Western countries are aging and feeling the sting of inflation, especially in ballooning housing costs.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of feeling

Adjective

There was palpable excitement, especially after Barringer noted that national Democrats had put the seat on a list of ones to watch for a possible upset.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
The embassy said in a statement Monday that partial curfews had been introduced in several French cities, with additional restrictions possible.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of possible

Noun

What Zuckerberg hasn’t addressed directly, on the podcast or the earnings call, is whether agents will eat into the ad impressions that generate nearly all of Meta’s revenue today.

— Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Vance left a positive impression on his RJC audience while stopping short of disavowing influential conservative podcast host Tucker Carlson.

— Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of impression

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seeming

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“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of seeming

adjective

noun

verb

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