Thesaurus

ostensible

Q: How does the adjective 'ostensible' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ostensible are apparent , illusory , and seeming . While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one. // the ostensible reason for their visit

Q: When is it sensible to use 'apparent' instead of 'ostensible'?

The words apparent and ostensible can be used in similar contexts, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge. // the apparent cause of the accident

Q: When is 'illusory' a more appropriate choice than 'ostensible'?

Although the words illusory and ostensible have much in common, illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view. // an illusory sense of security

Q: When would 'seeming' be a good substitute for 'ostensible'?

The synonyms seeming and ostensible are sometimes interchangeable, but seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else. // the seeming simplicity of the story

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Synonyms & Antonyms of ostensible

appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed

the ostensible reason for the meeting turned out to be a trick to get him to the surprise party

Synonyms for ostensible

Words Related to ostensible

likely,
probable

Near Antonyms for ostensible

hidden,
inapparent

Frequently Asked Questions About ostensible

How does the adjective ostensible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ostensible are apparent, illusory, and seeming. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

When is it sensible to use apparent instead of ostensible?

The words apparent and ostensible can be used in similar contexts, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is illusory a more appropriate choice than ostensible?

Although the words illusory and ostensible have much in common, illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When would seeming be a good substitute for ostensible?

The synonyms seeming and ostensible are sometimes interchangeable, but seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story