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

The gravity on the surface can be several billion times Earth’s, and a typical neutron star’s magnetic field is billions of times stronger than Earth’s as well. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026

The Generalissimo Suvorov measures around 558 feet long and displaces approximately 14,720 metric tons on the surface. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026

Russia’s limited sources of financing are being squeezed Russia’s economic numbers don’t look that bad — on the surface. — David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Russia's economic numbers don't look that bad — on the surface. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026