as in apparently
to all outward appearances
ostensibly a university student studying abroad, he was actually an espionage agent
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ostensibly
But many films also shoot overseas for creative, not economic, reasons, and ostensibly these films would also be hit with the 100 percent if implemented.
—
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2025
Since taking office in January, Trump has moved to fire many Biden appointees across government — including ostensibly apolitical roles.
—Zeke Miller and Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Now, Ecuador is planning on hosting American troops, ostensibly to combat drug traffickers, for the first time since 2009.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Alongside their 2025 return, The Beths have announced their signing to Epitaph sister label ANTI-, ostensibly indicating an imminent announcement of their fourth album.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2025
Since taking office in January, Trump has moved to fire many Biden appointees across government — including ostensibly apolitical roles.
—Zeke Miller and Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Now, Ecuador is planning on hosting American troops, ostensibly to combat drug traffickers, for the first time since 2009.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Alongside their 2025 return, The Beths have announced their signing to Epitaph sister label ANTI-, ostensibly indicating an imminent announcement of their fourth album.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensibly
Adverb
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Playing a rock star in Rock of Ages apparently didn’t satisfy Tom Cruise‘s instinct to sing onscreen.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
12 May 2025
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The Justice Department apparently repudiated that position shortly after expressing it, which suggests that all parts of the executive branch weren’t quite working from the same playbook, at least initially, even after that year of internal discussion.—
Marie Sapirie,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Adverb
-
New 70th anniversary entertainment, outfits and more The theme of the 70th anniversary is Celebrate Happy and everything about it – from its infectiously bubbly and seemingly ubiquitous theme song performed by the Jonas Brothers to its bright blue, pink and purple decor – is designed to delight.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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Those numbers seemingly support the opinion of the auditor who accused the district’s past leadership of not adjusting to enrollment and funding realities.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2025
Adverb
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Austin doesn't even seem to register his witless neighbor's lack of social skills until Craig punches his lights out—supposedly in fun—during a guys' night get-together.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
9 May 2025
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Apparently the director doesn’t mind the cotton candy smoke wafting up from a supposedly dead body.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
8 May 2025
Adverb
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This would be an economic and political debacle that would presumably bring Democrats, currently at a low ebb, roaring back in 2026.—
The Editors,
National Review,
12 May 2025
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Dina was born after society collapsed, presumably taking the mass-market beauty industry along with it.—
Leah Prinzivalli,
Allure,
11 May 2025
Adverb
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And though the number has grown from 10% in 2014, this rise was largely sparked by the global need for reliable information during challenging times, and levels have been evidently settling since.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Ratcliffe was granted control over footballing operations, and his remit has evidently widened beyond that.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Adverb
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Who else is in Pillion? Aside from starring Skarsgård, Pillion also stars Melling, who has been featured in The Queen’s Gambit, but is probably most well-known for playing Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter film series as a child.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
19 May 2025
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But for now, for the next couple of days, there will be a lot of beer probably.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ostensibly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensibly. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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