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

This shimmery style is achieved by using a magnetic gel polish and a magnet to direct particles in the formula into a 3D pattern on the surface of the nail, creating an effect that mimics the light-shifting pattern of a cat’s eye. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 18 Sep. 2026

Armenia and Georgia, two key Caucasus nations, are in political turmoil, and the situations look quite similar on the surface. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Sep. 2026

However, proxy infrastructure is an outlier that only looks similar on the surface. — Mindaugas Čaplinskas, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Oil and water don’t mix, meaning that oil added to pasta water will just float on the surface, creating a slippery film on the pasta once it’s drained. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2026