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

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 In an interview with Spectrum News, Husted addressed a seeming shift in his position. — Maham Javaid, NPR, 5 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

Others show pitas and sandwiches with sauces spread in a latticed pattern, or tortillas with odd speckles that might be the computer’s attempt at natural-seeming char from a comal. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 Could Kleist’s conjecture provide a key to their seeming vacancy, their resignation, their helplessness, suggesting that in their benighted condition lies spiritual perfection? — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seeming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming

Adjective

This change is apparent in the fact that European governments, too, are cutting funding for religious freedom advocacy.

— Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Ken Urker, the partner of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, made comments about being depressed before being found dead in his Louisiana home from an apparent drug overdose, authorities said.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Noun

The event will feature pro sumo veterans from around the world, traditional Taiko drummers, and an appearance by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
The rapper made various appearances in Europe for Fashion Month, and sat front row with fun pumps and high heels at different shows, mainly for Milan Fashion Week.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of appearance

Verb

The more exaggerated interpretations, with oversized collars that swallow the chin or heavy embellishment, are the ones most at risk of looking dated once the search curve bends.

— Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Far from throwing money away, renting is looking better by the day.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of looking

Noun

Perched high in the cliffs, built into the rock face overlooking the sea, and within view of the sweet fishing village of Conca dei Marini, the property is just a quick drive to Amalfi, but still feels a million miles away from the tourists.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
As the hundreds of thousands of people made their way down the narrow roads following the politician, a few rerouted into the industry event, still carrying big flags and with faces lit up with hope.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of face

Verb

Dining here is fun, fresh, plentiful, and food is cooked to perfection—but also fuel for long game drives that will keep you feeling spritely, never weighed down.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
All together, her Paris party attire nods to the past without actually feeling retro.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of feeling

Adjective

The South's joint chiefs said Saturday the military stepped up surveillance and vigilance for possible further launches from the North and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
As Yemen returns to a level of fighting intensity not seen since the 2022 truce, the civil war has entered a decisive phase, with several possible avenues forward.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of possible

Noun

Which environment gives you a better chance to make an impression?

— John M. O'Connor, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
What left the greatest impression in La Jolla, however, was the staging by Danya Taymor, who would go on to win a Tony for her breathtakingly fluid direction.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of impression

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“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of seeming

adjective

noun

verb

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