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

The at-times otherworldly-seeming imagery comes courtesy of Backrooms cinematographer Jeremy Cox. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026 Hirst’s work now rivals that of Jeff Koons in seeming specifically conceived for asset-class collectors. — Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seeming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming

Adjective

The pump wagon’s relevance to Bowery culture will only be apparent in the exhibition’s final gallery, which is dominated by a comparable artifact, Brad Kalhammer’s installation Bowery Nation (1985–2012).

— J. Hoberman, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
The latest frontier model, with apparent human-level faculties, had gone rogue – displaying dangerous, even devious online behaviors.

— Michael Serazio, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of apparent

Verb

Overcast Milan was looking even grayer than I’d have liked, but I was heartened by a gracious welcome at the Park Hyatt, tucked away on a side street of the Piazza del Duomo.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
But looking closer, across the genome, something unusual showed up.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 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

Adjective

Another 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible through the rest of the weekend, with localized totals exceeding 5 inches, as showers shift toward the Northeast.

— Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Cappu is using the market to meet distributors and other possible partners on the title, with available rights to be confirmed on a per-territory basis.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 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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seemed

seeming

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“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of seeming

adjective

noun

verb

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