seeming

1 of 2

noun

seem·​ing ˈsē-miŋ 

: external appearance as distinguished from true character : look

seeming

2 of 2

adjective

: outwardly or superficially evident but not true or real

the seeming immortality of our heroes

Synonyms

Noun

• appearance
• face
• guise
• name
• outward
• semblance
• show

Adjective

• apparent
• assumed
• evident
• ostensible
• ostensive
• presumed
• prima facie
• putative
• reputed
• supposed

Choose the Right Synonym for seeming

apparent, illusory, seeming, ostensible mean not actually being what appearance indicates.

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

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

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

ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

Examples of seeming in a Sentence

Noun

her altruism is all seeming—she cares only about herself

Adjective

Parents discussed the teacher's seeming lack of interest in the students.

I was fooled by the seeming simplicity of the instructions.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This season has been up and down in a lot of ways (Kristen’s effectiveness as a host, the vagueness of certain challenges, the seeming conspiracy to get Soo from Last Chance Kitchen onto Top Chef proper), but Danny, Dan, and Savannah have each had little paths of glory. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 June 2024

There, her singing was as flawless as ever, despite her seeming to work off a week’s worth of calories with every number that proceeded. —Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024

Adjective

That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024

Political pressure will come to the Kremlin not just from opponents of the war but also from those dismayed by the military’s startling incompetence and seeming lack of determination. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 27 Sep. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1557, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

seeming

adjective

seem·​ing

ˈsē-miŋ

: appearing to be real or true : apparent

suspicious of their seeming enthusiasm

seemingly adverb