outwardly

adverb

out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē 

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

And many outwardly display troubling signs along their pathway to violence. —Josh Campbell, CNN, 3 July 2024

If there is any frustration with the time Senga needs to start the season, the Mets are not showing it outwardly. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 20 May 2024

And while an outwardly jovial person, Thomas is actually detail oriented. —Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 22 June 2024

That double pursuit, outwardly hard-charging and inwardly serene, is the epitome of grace in every human endeavor. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 21 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

outwardly

adverb

out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē 

: on the outside : in outward appearance

outwardly calm