Synonyms of ostensible

ostensible

adjective

ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-bəl 

as in apparent

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 & Similar Words

• apparent
• presumed
• possible
• obvious
• seeming
• probable
• supposed
• putative
• evident
• alleged
• ostensive
• reputed
• assumed
• plausible
• prima facie
• superficial
• demonstrable
• distinct
• likely
• visible
• external
• conceivable
• outward
• purported
• imaginary
• supposable
• illusory
• manifest
• illusive
• specious
• deceptive
• delusive
• misleading
• pseudo
• professed
• clear
• feigned
• claimed
• delusory
• phoney
• phony
• plain
• fake
• faked
• so-called
• put-on
• pretended

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hidden
• impossible
• actual
• improbable
• unlikely
• inconceivable
• real
• implausible
• inapparent
• genuine
• valid
• confirmed
• established
• sure
• validated
• substantiated
• corroborated
• authenticated
• verified

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ostensible

The scene, the ostensible purpose of the entire film, is maybe two minutes long. —Matthew Schnipper, Vulture, 31 July 2025

Kevin Parker has made good on his promise to release new Tame Impala, delivering a new single as the ostensible first taste of a forthcoming LP. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 25 July 2025

Their ostensible mission was to restore order, but Druze militia leaders mobilized, convinced that Sharaa’s real goal was to crush them and assert full control over Sweida. —Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 18 July 2025

In the wake of the building collapse, the novel’s ostensible hero, Anthony Carter, is asked to speak at a rally for his neighbors, all rattled by the sudden catastrophe. —Kevin Lozano, New Yorker, 6 July 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!