OSTENSIBLE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

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

ostensible

adjective

ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-bəl

Definition of ostensible next

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

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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 The attack comes despite an ostensible ceasefire that has been in place since October. —

Eugenia Yosef, CNN Money, 15 May 2026 One is this mismatch between the kind of power and ostensible political authority that Starmer has and the size of his vote. —

Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 8 May 2026 The ostensible point of looks-maxxing is to bag hot chicks, but quite clearly the real fun comes from inspiring awe in men. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 The ostensible dividing line was over election integrity, which supporters say the SAVE America Act will guarantee. —

W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ostensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible

Adjective

Two men were found unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 28 June 2026
The potential perils of this were apparent in Delaware, where a Caesar Rodney impersonator was manning the booth (the Caesar Rodney Institute was the sponsor).

— Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.

— CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
If stress builds, schedule a short stretch break and set softer deadlines where possible, because kindness to your body supports reliable output.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

Definition of possible

Adjective

Testing delays have also meant that some probable Ebola victims died without being confirmed as having the disease.

— Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 24 June 2026
As of May 27, there have been a total of 13 cases of hantavirus -- 11 confirmed and two probable -- and three deaths, of which two have been confirmed, according to the WHO.

— Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 22 June 2026