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

Though little has made its way here, many companies developing these sci-fi-seeming technologies see New York as an essential proving ground. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 19 June 2026 One creator combining these two phenomena — catering to a seeming infinity of niche interests while also showing his face to stay on YouTube’s good side — is Simon Whistler. — Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026

Noun

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 For the Bucks, Turner’s comments come off as a dumpster fire that needs to be extinguished as soon as possible, with a seeming advantage for Giannis suitors. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2026

Verb

For all their seeming fragility, monarchs will be an extraordinarily capable partner in efforts to save them. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 But for Miami, adding Giannis and LeBron would have made Miami a legitimate East contender with championship hopes no longer fanciful or seeming far off. — Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for seeming

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seeming

Adjective

Never has that been more apparent than on petal, the star’s eighth studio album and her first to release via her own imprint, BabyDoll Music, as a subsidiary of Republic.

— Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026
Initially, authorities said there were no apparent indications of foul play and that Wells could have drowned, noting the area is known for its dangerous rip currents.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

Definition of apparent

Noun

Canales had prepped the crowd beforehand that this was going to happen, so Asher’s appearance drew the biggest cheer of the evening.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Pirates opener Yohan Ramírez pitched two scoreless innings allowing one hit with a walk and four strikeouts in his first career start after 208 relief appearances, the most by a Pirates pitcher before making a start.

— CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of appearance

Verb

Cyrus’ flawless-looking skin was in part thanks to the Maybelline New York Lifter Plump and Glow Foundation, a sheer base that can be built up for more coverage.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Other air styler round brushes leave my fine hair looking more wind-swept than blown-out, with a ton of fly-aways.

— Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026

Definition of looking

Noun

The only new face that does demand a lot of attention so far is a prickly new assistant coach, Alice (an excellent Tanya Reynolds).

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
The event included a bounce castle, food truck, pony rides, face-painting, the Aurora Public Library bookmobile and more.

— David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of face

Verb

Its longline fit offers coverage in blustery winds or rain without feeling too bulky in mild temperatures.

— Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
At breakfast, people at the table next to me were talking about how their friend wasn’t feeling well and stayed in the room.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of feeling

Adjective

This gracious grand dame has possibly the best possible address in all of Stockholm, overlooking Strökajen Harbor in the city’s Norrmalm district, a short walk from the Royal Palace and the Old Town.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Authorities haven't stated a possible cause for the other two fires.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of possible

Noun

The cumulative impression of Alice that the book leaves is of someone moving serenely through life, meeting fond blessings and awful curses both with the same calm equanimity.

— Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
The early impressions of Downs were encapsulated in one moment during the team’s first training camp practice on Wednesday.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of impression

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seeming

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“Seeming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seeming. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of seeming

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noun

verb

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