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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ostensible Both films cogently argue that ostensible democracies in the U.S. and elsewhere squash anyone who tries to tell the truth – anyone who insists that 2 + 2 = 4. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 May 2025 In their head-to-head matchups against their two ostensible competitors, though, the Giants have been handled. Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Despite this ostensible colonization of trans bodies, Céspedes trains his camera on the inherent humanity of all his subjects, including his most bigoted aggressors. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 May 2025 Then his ostensible bestie, Stuart (Josh McDermitt), ruins everything by breaking up the firm. Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ostensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible
Adjective
  • Birdsong’s apparent beanball came in the exact time and place that the unwritten rules prescribe: two outs, bases empty, first pitch.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 26 June 2025
  • Other Demographic Differences Women’s second fall persistence rate (79.3%) exceeded that of men (76.3%), continuing a trend that’s been apparent for several years.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • This might signal that the two are also getting ready for a possible upcoming change.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 22 June 2025
  • Some locally dense fog will be possible with visibilities reduced to less than one half mile at times.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Cate mentioned obvious areas of interest such as housing, infrastructure, regulations, taxes and fees, trade and the overall cost of living.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • This is an obvious chips-in move for them after their half-court offense face-planted against the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Emilia Pérez’s turnout in particular was a fall from seeming dominance, perhaps precipitated by Gascón’s controversy.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025
  • That night of violence — with its brutality and seeming lack of a motive — has shaken the community.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • For his next act, Bill Zito tries something else no one thought possible, financially practical or any-which-way probable.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025
  • The March flight failed in similar fashion, but SpaceX's investigators determined the most probable root cause was a hardware failure in one of the ship's engines, a different failure mode than two months before.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • None of Iran’s supposed friends have offered anything more than verbal support despite the devastating blows the regime has suffered.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 23 June 2025
  • The other supposed benefit is that MAGA accounts grow wealth for children from poor families.
    Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ostensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensible. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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