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.
Suarez has outwardly become more conservative during his tenure, including a visit to the southern border in early 2024. Miami Herald, 10 Dec. 2025 Quiet cracking has recently been used to describe employees who outwardly appear to be present but are actually fracturing inside, feeling stretched thin and withdrawing energy from the work that once animated them. Jon Rosemberg, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025 These are huge scale productions completed for under $10 million, completely independent and outwardly audacious. David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Nov. 2025 Jana is not outwardly calling for a management change and White may even be the best person to lead a standalone CooperSurgical business. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025 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 28 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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