ostensibly

adverb

ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-blē How to pronounce ostensibly (audio)
Definition of ostensiblynext
as in apparently
to all outward appearances ostensibly a university student studying abroad, he was actually an espionage agent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 In any case, the bus is rigged to explode, ostensibly holding Annie and everyone else in a deathtrap. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026 The Mexican government has surged hundreds of soldiers and national guardsmen across the city, ostensibly to disrupt the criminal groups who have terrorized it. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 Earlier in this primary cycle, the PACs Real Change and Lead Left ran television ads and mailers in competitive congressional districts attacking Democratic candidates, ostensibly from the left. — Andrew Moshirnia, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026 McDonnell would twist the story later, according to Walker and others, claiming her sister had been held for ransom and murdered, ostensibly as a roundabout way to signal evidence of her family’s fortune. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensibly
  1. apparently
  2. seemingly
  3. supposedly
  4. presumably
  5. evidently
  6. probably
Adverb
  • But the company and Forbes apparently had a close relationship.
    — Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Venus does cast a shadow, but the sky must be very dark, transparent and free of any light — apparently.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of apparently
Adverb
  • Towns and cities are enacting bans on construction seemingly by the day, including in nearby areas in Washington, out of fears of higher electricity bills, pollution and AI taking their jobs.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Communities are starting to push back against the seemingly ubiquitous camera systems.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of seemingly
Adverb
  • This is a positive start for the new season and a good indication that audiences are still excited for more Ted Lasso, even returning from a multi-year hiatus after the series supposedly ended in 2023.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In the other, the extremes of those preferences become content, then that outrage makes the content travel, and millions of people learn what everyone else supposedly expects from dating.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of supposedly
Adverb
  • Bou Meng’s first wife was arrested with him and disappeared from the prison, and presumably was executed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • What follows is presumably the narrator’s effort to make good on his or her threat.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of presumably
Adverb
  • But with the Red Sox evidently set on their major-league catching options, Knizner is looking elsewhere.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Arendt, evidently depressed and convinced of life’s meaninglessness, found his teaching electrifying.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of evidently
Adverb
  • That ability is probably there for just about every retailer, even the tiniest ones, according to Linda Toth, executive director of Conexxus, an industry technology group that supports convenience stores and gas stations.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Tottenham are probably still well set defensively, even after the two high-profile departures this week.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of probably

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ostensible
ostensibly
ostensive
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Cite this Entry

“Ostensibly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensibly. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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