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

The control group’s psychopathy levels weren’t measured using the PCL-R, so the existence of subclinical traits, that is, traits that aren’t outwardly detectable, can't be ruled out. —New Atlas, 26 June 2025

Let’s rebrand servant leadership as compassionate leadership, where compassion is directed both outwardly toward others and inwardly toward ourselves. —Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

Republicans have outwardly enjoyed getting the richest person in the world, and his wallet, on their side. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 5 June 2025

Numbers-wise, a global gross of $378 million against a film that cost $280 million to make and market outwardly gives the appearance Thunderbolts* will be a profitable title. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

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