apparently

adverb

ap·​par·​ent·​ly ə-ˈper-ənt-lē How to pronounce apparently (audio)
-ˈpa-rənt
Synonyms of apparentlynext
: it seems apparent
—used to describe something that appears to be true based on what is known
an apparently happy marriage
The window had apparently been forced open.
Apparently, we're supposed to wait here.

Synonyms of apparently

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Examples of apparently in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The apparently illusory swings show the difficulty of accurately counting homeless people in the expanse of north Los Angeles County. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Carly keeps taking her new passion further, apparently spending all her tuition money on shooting a music video and renting a venue for a live performance plus merch and catering. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 In another world, a different version of Jason decided to forgo that family life in pursuit of his dream, which was apparently to build a gigantic box that allowed people to travel to other parallel universes. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 28 Aug. 2026 The show’s central quintet reside in the childhood home of Samir, whose semi-retired parents are on an apparently indefinite tour of the national parks. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apparently

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aparenly, apparently "clearly, plainly," from apparaunt, apparent apparent + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of apparently was in 1566

Rhymes for apparently

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Browse Nearby Words

apparent horizon
apparently
apparent magnitude
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Cite this Entry

“Apparently.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparently. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

apparently

adverb
ap·​par·​ent·​ly ə-ˈpar-ənt-lē How to pronounce apparently (audio)
-ˈper-
: it seems apparent : evidently
the door had apparently been forced open
apparently, we're supposed to wait here
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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