obviously
Britishadverb
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in a way that is easy to see or understand; evidently
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without subtlety
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(sentence modifier) it is obvious that; clearly
obviously not everyone wants a bank account
Explanation
Something obviously true is clearly, totally, unmistakably true. There's just no doubt about it. Obviously is a word people use when they are sure of something and sure that it's plainly clear to others. When you get presents on your birthday, you're obviously happy. Dogs obviously like to chase squirrels. The sky is obviously blue. People also use this word when they're being mean or sarcastic. If you didn't know who walked on the moon, a friend might say, "Obviously, it was Neil Armstrong!"
Vocabulary lists containing obviously
Holes
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Novel Study: The Crucible, Act 2
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Frindle
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Mo is not a big talker, but obviously he's a leader by example. So it's those types of things I'm 100% going to miss," said Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
From BBC • May 23, 2026
I’m obviously not restricted to only these ingredients, just as Slagle herself isn’t living under some kind of self-imposed 40-item pantry oath.
From Salon • May 22, 2026
About 60 volunteers with clipboards spread out over Hollywood on Tuesday morning to count every tent, makeshift shelter, lived-in vehicle and obviously homeless person.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
“But we see many other plausible opportunities to tailor medicines to different groups. As you noted, retatrutide is one of those ideas, which very obviously could play to individuals who are seeking greater weight loss.”
From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026
“He’s not getting any better. And he obviously doesn’t like me.”
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
