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 The wait has been infuriating, stretching the boundaries of trust and raising serious questions about what happened to millions of dollars raised toward the ostensible goal of creating a suitable tribute. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025 Though Benny and his crush, Miles (Rish Shah), make eyes at each other, Benny’s friendship with his ostensible love interest, Carmen (Wally Baram), emerges as the real love story.—Inkoo Kang Off Broadway Jennifer Smith as Stage Manager. Marina Harss, New Yorker, 13 June 2025 On the flipside to questions about the benefits of AI are questions about its ostensible negatives. Clemente Theotokis, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Well before private equity was in the local media game, Gannett was creating firms’ playbooks for them: ruthlessly consolidate, centralize as much as possible, boost shareholder value at all costs— even when the cost was the journalism, the company’s ostensible raison d’être. Megan Greenwell, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ostensible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible
Adjective
  • In apparent disbelief, Berger simply sank to her knees, her arms outstretched and a huge grin on her face, and watched as her jubilant teammates sprinted towards her to celebrate.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
  • Another apparent fan of tanning is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., America’s perpetually bronzed health secretary, who was spotted visiting a tanning salon last month.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Curiously, there was no representative from Prince William and Kate Middleton in the talks, and reports indicate the two are approaching the possible reconciliation carefully.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
  • This new licensing platform expands our ability to reach and engage our fan community on Roblox in the deepest way possible – by working directly with them!
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • And then there are the descriptions of the additional terms, which may not be obvious.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • But a sharp turn straight into country seems like far too obvious a path for a singer-songwriter who has quietly done her own thing.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 14 July 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
  • These protections demonstrate genuine respect for privacy rights while preserving evidentiary value, making cooperation more likely and court approval more probable.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • According to the University of Florida, 100% eradication of this ant is not probable in areas where it is established.
    Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • At the time, Twitter’s ad business was in trouble—and Tesla shareholders worried Musk was too distracted from his supposed main gig, running the automaker.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
  • There have been times when Clark has cleared the council chamber for a time during council meetings due to supposed disruptions.
    Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ostensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensible. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

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