OBVIOUS Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

obvious

adjective

ˈäb-vē-əs

Definition of obvious next

as in apparent

not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation that remark was an obvious joke, so lighten up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in blatant

very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad obvious errors in the book that the editor or proofreader should have caught

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective obvious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of obvious are apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, patent, and plain. While all these words mean "readily perceived or apprehended," obvious implies such ease in discovering that it often suggests conspicuousness or little need for perspicacity in the observer.

the obvious solution

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

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

for no apparent reason

When is clear a more appropriate choice than obvious?

The synonyms clear and obvious are sometimes interchangeable, 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 obvious?

While in some cases nearly identical to obvious, distinct implies such sharpness of outline or definition that no unusual effort to see or hear or comprehend is required.

a distinct refusal

When is it sensible to use evident instead of obvious?

Although the words evident and obvious have much in common, evident implies presence of visible signs that lead one to a definite conclusion.

an evident fondness for sweets

When might manifest be a better fit than obvious?

The words manifest and obvious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, manifest implies an external display so evident that little or no inference is required.

manifest hostility

When would patent be a good substitute for obvious?

While the synonyms patent and obvious are close in meaning, patent applies to a cause, effect, or significant feature that is clear and unmistakable once attention has been directed to it.

patent defects

When could plain be used to replace obvious?

In some situations, the words plain and obvious are roughly equivalent. However, 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 obvious The dog displayed no obvious signs of trauma such as being hit by car, broken bones, gun shot wounds or other external injuries. —

Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026 That was obvious in Palm Beach County when county commissioners were poised last month to rubber stamp a data center complex roughly the size of 150 football fields. —

Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026 There is no shouting, no obvious cruelty; just a steady erosion of trust. —

Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026 Prime Video does not have an obvious spot, but Tomlin is someone programming executives make room to add. —

Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for obvious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for obvious

Adjective

Two people suffered life-threatening injuries and a suspect has been arrested in connection with an apparent stabbing in San Francisco on Saturday evening, police said.

— Brandon Downs, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
For many of the previous 120 days, Tara tells Thomas what is happening to her, and convinces him of her situation through her apparent clairvoyance.

— John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026