apparent
adjective
ap·par·ent
ə-ˈper-ənt 
-ˈpa-rənt
1
: open to view : visible
The changes were readily apparent.
2
: clear or manifest to the understanding
for reasons that are apparent
3
: appearing as actual to the eye or mind
was in apparent danger
4
: manifest to the senses or mind as real or true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be factually valid
died of an apparent heart attack
The air of spontaneity is perhaps more apparent than real.—
J. R. Sutherland
J. R. Sutherland5
law
: having an indefeasible right to succeed to a title or estate
Synonyms
Examples of apparent in a Sentence
"Reborn" is overwhelmingly a record of an inner landscape, and so there is little sense of the times—no mention of civil-rights demonstrations, no arguments about Cuba. Sontag barely even let her journal know that she was at work on a novel, although the effects of that undertaking are perhaps apparent in the increasingly aphoristic style of her pages.
—Darryl Pinckney, New Yorker, 22 & 29 Dec. 2008
He believes that the key to memory, despite its apparent complexities, will eventually prove to be simple: a single molecule. He may be right.
—Michael Greenberg, New York Review of Books, 4 Dec. 2008
Since last fall, beekeepers in at least 35 states have reported colonies that shrank rapidly for no apparent reason. Adult bees just go missing, leaving behind young bees in need of tending.
—Susan Milius, Science News, 28 July 2007
The Internal Revenue Service last week suggested that between 1 million and 2 million Americans have overseas bank accounts that issued them credit or debit cards-the apparent purpose being to evade U.S. taxes.
—Robert J. Samuelson, Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2002
From the beginning, it was apparent that she was not an ordinary child.
He started yelling and throwing things for no apparent reason.
We disagreed on the apparent meaning of the movie.
What was the apparent cause of the accident?
Darryl Pinckney, New Yorker, 22 & 29 Dec. 2008
He believes that the key to memory, despite its apparent complexities, will eventually prove to be simple: a single molecule. He may be right.
—Michael Greenberg, New York Review of Books, 4 Dec. 2008
Since last fall, beekeepers in at least 35 states have reported colonies that shrank rapidly for no apparent reason. Adult bees just go missing, leaving behind young bees in need of tending.
—Susan Milius, Science News, 28 July 2007
The Internal Revenue Service last week suggested that between 1 million and 2 million Americans have overseas bank accounts that issued them credit or debit cards-the apparent purpose being to evade U.S. taxes.
—Robert J. Samuelson, Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2002
From the beginning, it was apparent that she was not an ordinary child.
He started yelling and throwing things for no apparent reason.
We disagreed on the apparent meaning of the movie.
What was the apparent cause of the accident?
Recent Examples on the Web
Sometimes the signs of emotional abuse are not immediately apparent, but the Hotline has a comprehensive section that provides more information, examples and options for determining next steps.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Finally, the animals in zoos are watched closely, so symptoms of illness become apparent quickly.
—Jen McCaffery, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
An opportunity to use your physical attributes to your advantage is apparent.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
Increasing numbers of superyacht owners are beginning to register the charms and benefits of Dubai that have long been apparent to the many HNWIs and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) who base themselves in the city.
—Dubai Tourism Contributor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apparent 
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R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Finally, the animals in zoos are watched closely, so symptoms of illness become apparent quickly.
—Jen McCaffery, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
An opportunity to use your physical attributes to your advantage is apparent.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
Increasing numbers of superyacht owners are beginning to register the charms and benefits of Dubai that have long been apparent to the many HNWIs and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) who base themselves in the city.
—Dubai Tourism Contributor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apparent
Articles Related to apparent
Dictionary Entries Near apparent
Cite this Entry
“Apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparent. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apparent
adjective
ap·par·ent
ə-ˈpar-ənt
-ˈper-
Medical Definition
apparent
adjective
ap·par·ent
ə-ˈpar-ənt, -ˈper-
1
: clear or manifest to the senses
no apparent cause for the condition
2
: manifest to the senses or mind as real or true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be valid upon deeper investigation
the apparent stimulating action of a sedative drug may actually result from its depressant effect—D. W. Maurer & V. H. Vogel
D. W. Maurer & V. H. VogelLove words? Need even more definitions?
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