Synonyms of on the surface

on the surface

phrase

as in seemingly

to all outward appearances

On the surface they seem to have a fairytale marriage, but those close to them know it isn't so simple.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seemingly
• ostensibly
• supposedly
• apparently
• presumably
• evidently
• maybe
• visibly
• likely
• perhaps
• probably
• putatively
• obviously
• ostensively
• possibly
• outwardly
• externally
• clearly
• allegedly
• distinctly
• surely
• reportedly
• perchance
• credibly
• conceivably
• purportedly
• plainly
• positively
• manifestly
• reputedly
• supposably
• professedly
• presumedly
• believably
• assuredly
• mayhap
• self-evidently
• assumably

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incredibly
• impossibly
• improbably
• implausibly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of on the surface

On Wednesday morning, the pond remained murky with some algae and debris visible on the surface of the water. — Zuri Primos july 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Without deliberate restoration, thinking becomes increasingly reactive, even when performance appears productive on the surface. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Jović has considerably less grass in her CV, but credits her natural ease on the surface with her soccer childhood in Los Angeles. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026

The Muraka offers a single hotel suite with living quarters on the surface and a bedroom 16 feet below the waves. — Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026