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

Again and again, grieving parents described children who continued functioning outwardly — going to school, maintaining friendships, playing sports and making plans for the future — even while privately struggling. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

While outwardly identical, the two 14-inch laptops have very different processors. —Michael J. Miller, PC Magazine, 3 June 2026

Though outwardly still the same elegant, uncomplicated maison by the sea, things had actually changed beyond recognition. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

Or, at least, not outwardly reacting. —Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 3 June 2026

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