outwardly

adverb

out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē How to pronounce outwardly (audio)
Synonyms of outwardlynext
1
a
: on the outside : externally
b
: toward the outside
2
: in outward state, behavior, or appearance
was outwardly friendly

Examples of outwardly in a Sentence

The two brothers may be outwardly similar, but their personalities couldn't be more different. Though extremely nervous, she was able to remain outwardly calm during the interview. Outwardly, their marriage seemed quite normal.
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.
Other jury awards in the festival’s main Competition went to less outwardly provocative, but no less trenchant, works. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026 Dukakis himself wasn't outwardly supportive of his fellow Democrat's efforts, either, telling a Seattle news outlet that private citizens should not try to conduct foreign policy. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026 Because these factors may not be outwardly visible, someone may appear healthy until a blood clot occurs. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026 Emma Laird is Shannon, this outwardly confident daughter of a crime boss, who is desperate to find real love. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outwardly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outwardly was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwardly. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

outwardly

adverb
out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē How to pronounce outwardly (audio)
: on the outside : in outward appearance
outwardly calm

More from Merriam-Webster on outwardly

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