on the surface

phrase

: to all outward appearances

Examples of on the surface in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While the episode appears charming and simple on the surface, an uneasiness starts to settle in as Riley realizes that Amanda and Wooly seem to be communicating directly through the television set. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

These six episodes are a pleasant surprise, offering more than what initially appeared on the surface, but the story wouldn’t be able to operate below the radar a second time. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

There isn’t necessarily much happening on the surface, just two women looking and speaking. — Elissa Suh, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Statements about accountability or policy changes may look significant on the surface but lack substance. — Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for on the surface

• hypersurface
• undersurface
• resurface
• subsurface