as in apparently
to all outward appearances
ostensibly a university student studying abroad, he was actually an espionage agent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ostensibly
And that's important not just because movie theaters are communal spaces where audiences are, at least ostensibly, forced to put down their phones and other distractions.
—
Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
When a handful of renderings leaked prematurely, the initial reactions focused on ostensibly vulgar details, especially bronze accents that looked implausibly golden in the renderings and a presidential seal etched on one wall.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026
But as the team made its announcement, its tactics across years of negotiations — including ostensibly definitive statements about their intentions at a number of different sites in the region — drove several top Illinois leaders to open frustration.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
In Oakland, Measure E would have raised $34 million in parcel taxes, ostensibly to fund public safety efforts.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
When a handful of renderings leaked prematurely, the initial reactions focused on ostensibly vulgar details, especially bronze accents that looked implausibly golden in the renderings and a presidential seal etched on one wall.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026
But as the team made its announcement, its tactics across years of negotiations — including ostensibly definitive statements about their intentions at a number of different sites in the region — drove several top Illinois leaders to open frustration.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
In Oakland, Measure E would have raised $34 million in parcel taxes, ostensibly to fund public safety efforts.
—John Ramos, CBS News, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensibly
Adverb
-
There was, apparently, a sitar soundtrack.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
15 June 2026
-
Especially from a woman who’s apparently about to launch a crackah empire!—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
Adverb
-
The last two sales seasons at the auction houses have seemingly driven home this desire for trophy works—A-plus material.—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
15 June 2026
-
The Rabbit Hole is more playful, with its games room, pool table, ping pong and private bar, seemingly designed for long nights and bad decisions.—
Arion McNicoll,
TheWeek,
15 June 2026
Adverb
-
The Mexican beer cocktail, michelada, is a savory drink supposedly born from Club Deportivo Potosino in San Luis Potosí in the 1970s.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 June 2026
-
On Sunday, Americans had the opportunity to watch an Ultimate Fighting Championship cage fight held on the White House lawn, supposedly as part of the celebration of our nation’s 250 anniversary.—
Tom Zirpoli,
Baltimore Sun,
15 June 2026
Adverb
-
Some families even bring their housekeepers, presumably to clean up all of the empty soy sauce packets.—
Brendan Cosgrove,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
-
With Washington off to Auburn, Knighton will presumably enter the fall as the lead back.—
Steven Johnson
June 15,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 June 2026
Adverb
-
More importantly, Suzuka marked both the end and beginning of a chapter for the young team, which evidently had a lot of work to do before heading to the United States.—
Jerry Perez,
The Drive,
11 June 2026
-
But in this literary theatre geek’s opinion—and, evidently, the voting public’s—there’s always room for more crossover acts.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Adverb
-
That’s probably the biggest takeaway from Thursday’s interaction.—
Nick Harris
June 11,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2026
-
Sudden cuts tend to backfire, leaving you with the very symptoms fatigue, headaches, irritability that probably sent you reaching for caffeine in the first place.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ostensibly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensibly. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
