Obvious - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT obvious /ˈɑbviəs/ /ˈɒbviəs/ IPA guide

Something obvious is plain to see and easily understandable. It was obvious that you didn't enjoy your meal because I found it rolled in a napkin and shoved under the rug.

There's nothing vague about the adjective obvious — it's right there in front of your eyes! It describes something that's easy to figure out or the most straightforward option. If someone states the obvious, you're likely to respond with a sarcastic "No duh!" or "Thanks Sherlock." If obvious isn't the obvious word of choice, you can try a synonym such as "evident" or "apparent."

Definitions of obvious

adjective easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind “obvious errors” synonyms: apparent, evident, manifest, patent, plain, resounding, unmistakable clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment axiomatic, self-evident, taken for granted evident without proof or argument demonstrable, provable capable of being demonstrated or proved frank clearly manifest; evident open-and-shut so obvious as to be easily solved or decided self-explanatory needing no explanation transparent easily understood or seen through (because of a lack of subtlety) writ large made more obvious or prominent open, overt open and observable; not secret or hidden see moresee less antonyms: unobvious not immediately apparent unapparent not readily apparent unprovable not provable show more antonyms...

Pronunciation US /ˈɑbviəs/ UK /ˈɒbviəs/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘obvious'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing obvious

Twelve Angry Men Reginald Rose

The trial is over, and now the members of the jury hold a man's fate in their hands. Nearly everyone is convinced the defendant is guilty—everyone except Juror 8. He tries to convince the other jurors to acknowledge their preconceptions and examine the case with fresh eyes.

Now I See! Synonyms for "Clear"

This list will make it crystal clear which word to use when you're describing something that's easy to see or understand. For more synonym lists, explore our Say What You Mean resources.

Latin Love, Vol I: via

In Latin, the word for "road" or "way" is "via." True to our roots, in English, we say that we go from New York to Florida via Interstate Highway 95. More Latin Love, Volume I lists: vocare, portare, sci, and struere! ELA Common Core State Standard: "Use common, grade-appropriate Greek or Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word."

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account