obviously
18 synonyms and 5 antonyms for obviously, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Clearly; in a way that's easy to see or understand.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use obviously
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Used sarcastically or dismissively, "obviously" can sound blunt or rude — tone matters.
Frequently asked questions
What does “obviously” mean?
The word “obviously” means clearly; in a way that's easy to see or understand. In plain terms, clearly, or "of course" — often used to stress that something should be plain to see.
How do you pronounce “obviously”?
“Obviously” is pronounced O-vee-uhs-lee (/ˈɑ(b).vi(.)əs.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “obviously” in a sentence?
Here is “obviously” used in a sentence: “She was obviously exhausted after the flight.”
What is another word for “obviously”?
Words with a similar meaning to “obviously” include clearly, evidently, manifestly, obvi, blatantly and baitly.
What is the opposite of “obviously”?
The opposite of “obviously” — its antonyms — are clandestinely, covertly, secretly, subtly and unobviously.
What part of speech is “obviously”?
“Obviously” is an adverb.
Is “obviously” a common word?
“Obviously” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “obviously” have?
“Obviously” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: clearly; in a way that's easy to see or understand.
What is the difference between obviously and clearly?
The two are close in meaning and often interchangeable. Obviously stresses that something is so evident it barely needs stating, sometimes implying it should already be known. Clearly emphasises that something is easy to see or understand. Obviously can sound slightly more emphatic or, in the wrong tone, a little condescending.
Is it rude to say obviously?
It can be, depending on tone. Saying obviously in response to a genuine question may suggest the answer was too plain to ask about, which can seem dismissive. Used to underline a shared, agreed point, however, it is perfectly neutral. Context and delivery decide whether it sounds helpful or patronising.
What is the opposite of obviously?
Opposites include arguably, possibly, and perhaps, which introduce doubt rather than certainty. Words like subtly or imperceptibly work when the contrast is about how noticeable something is. Where obviously signals that a fact is plain and undeniable, its opposites flag that something is unclear, debatable, or hidden.