self-evident

adjective

ˌself-ˈe-və-dənt How to pronounce self-evident (audio)
Definition of self-evidentnext
as in obvious
not needing proof in order to be accepted the self-evident truth that all people have the right of self-determination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 self-evident These were self-evident rules, and the women followed them piously. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026 From the European cultural point of view there was, here in the Mediterranean, a pragmatic culture which regarded the divine presence as self-evident. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026 The parts of the declaration worth knowing about are the soaring sentences in the opening paragraphs about self-evident truths, pursuing happiness and all men being created equal. — Robert Parkinson, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 In 2026, not all truths appear to be self-evident. — Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-evident
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-evident
  1. obvious
  2. axiomatic
  3. evident
  4. apparent
  5. unmistakable
Adjective
  • The switcheroo trend is one more lighthearted example of internet prank culture, with successful clips in the genre using comically obvious edits to highlight the misdirection and avoid any real danger of defamation.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That connection seems obvious at the linebacker position, on the outside and inside with Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Tremaine Edmunds and Arvell Reese, the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
    — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Statements tend to be axiomatic rather than descriptive of particular individuals.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
  • Just a few years after the arrival of ZF, Kurt Gödel showed that no axiomatic system capable of basic arithmetic can be used to prove its own consistency.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of axiomatic
Adjective
  • At a bond hearing earlier this year, Fernandez Saldana’s attorney said there was no proof his client’s guilt was evident, CNN affiliate Action News Jax reported.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Their issues putting together effective at-bats were evident in the final two games against the Brewers, totaling three runs on 11 hits and three walks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • Banks and financial market infrastructure (FMIs) are getting serious about blockchain again, something that is becoming increasingly apparent in light of major announcements from global banks and financial institutions.
    — Ravi Chamria, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Thompson is the backup to Quentin Johnston, who limped off the practice field with an apparent leg injury this week and didn’t dress for the preseason game.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • Her strength, warmth, generosity, and unmistakable personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
    — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • In the mid-1970s, Slash’s mother, the costume designer Ola Hudson, worked on the American production of The Rocky Horror Show, whose Frank-N-Furter is the unmistakable touchstone of Bourzgui’s David, down to the depraved purr.
    — Sarah Grant, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of unmistakable

Browse Nearby Words

self-evidence
self-evident
self-evidently
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Cite this Entry

“Self-evident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-evident. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on self-evident

Nglish: Translation of self-evident for Spanish Speakers

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