as in apparently
to all outward appearances
ostensibly a university student studying abroad, he was actually an espionage agent
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ostensibly
While other methods could ostensibly get the job done, few options exist.
—
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 July 2025
What is particularly alarming about the inaccuracy in this case is that the output of this model is ostensibly an input to the formation of monetary policy.
—George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
But ostensibly, a FEMA-review council assembled by the Trump administration is meant to offer a plan to overhaul the agency.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Unlike Putin's crude asset seizures, Trump's extortion operates through ostensibly voluntary settlements and pro bono commitments.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 July 2025
What is particularly alarming about the inaccuracy in this case is that the output of this model is ostensibly an input to the formation of monetary policy.
—George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
But ostensibly, a FEMA-review council assembled by the Trump administration is meant to offer a plan to overhaul the agency.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Unlike Putin's crude asset seizures, Trump's extortion operates through ostensibly voluntary settlements and pro bono commitments.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensibly
Adverb
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Still, Trump's deployment of the nuclear submarines appears to be the first time social media rhetoric has led an American president to apparently reposition parts of the United States' nuclear arsenal.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
4 Aug. 2025
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Initially dismissive, both men become converts to Santa’s cause after witnessing miracles apparently generated by her presence.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
3 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Swift and Kelce famously started dating in the summer of 2023, and seemingly first confirmed their romance when Swift started popping up at his NFL games in September of that year.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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The major inciting incident saw Carano sharing a post from another account that seemingly compared the treatment of conservatives in the U.S. during the COVID pandemic to that of Jewish people during Nazi-era Germany.—
Carson Blackwelder,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Venus’ clash with Saturn and Neptune turns a supposedly secure friendship on its head.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
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Even a single strand could supposedly expose someone’s race or criminality.—
Book Marks
August 1,
Literary Hub,
1 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Ritter was not formally written out of the series at the end of Season 13, presumably leaving the door open for Kyri to return and wrap up his character’s storyline.—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
4 Aug. 2025
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The film includes a particularly raw argument scene (video below), which is presumably the one being used.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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In the income tax context, the FTB has evidently adopted a similar interpretation for whether a business is conducting business or carrying on a business within California and is therefore subject to apportionment.—
Robert W. Wood,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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The more conspiratorially minded went further, suggesting without evidence that LePatner or her colleagues had been Tamura’s actual targets all along — just as Thompson had evidently been singled out by his killer.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
1 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Geist said people probably didn't hear — or even see — the tsunami from Tuesday's earthquake.—
Michal Ruprecht,
NPR,
30 July 2025
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But could the show possibly work in today’s culture, which has shifted so dramatically that today Hank would probably be dismissed in conservative circles as a RINO, and his irrational conspiracy-nut friend Dale sounds like a mainstream Republican?—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ostensibly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensibly. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.
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