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 Tate runs online courses ostensibly meant to promote masculine values, but a BBC investigation previously found the programs teach men to groom women. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 What begins as a novel ostensibly about ‘cancel culture’ quickly shifts into a rueful elegy for a dying world. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 Trump’s speech in the Peach State was ostensibly about affordability, a key issue dominating the midterm cycle. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026 Although this is ostensibly a book about friendship, such a relationship—at least a literary one—requires access to the interior life of both participants. — Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 22 July 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
  • Donald apparently began to entertain the idea of a comeback early last month after the Rams acquired superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett in a trade with Cleveland.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • So Paramount is apparently betting that taking a chance on the merger being approved and paying the ticking fee is a better choice than giving up now and paying the massive termination fee.
    — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of apparently
Adverb
  • Beneath red tinsel and in the dim glow of club lighting, six young couples kiss, each seemingly wrapped up in their own little worlds.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The Seminoles seemingly didn’t have the funding to be aggressive in the transfer portal and signed Daniels to fill the void at quarterback.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of seemingly
Adverb
  • This summer, McMillan’s name was attached to a youth camp supposedly being held in Asheville.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
  • Samsung has introduced new bands for the Watch 9 that feature air pockets and are supposedly more flexible and 25% lighter than the Watch 8 straps.
    — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
Definition of supposedly
Adverb
  • Punch was abandoned by his mother after his birth a year ago Sunday, presumably because of exhaustion.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • What’s the appeal that leads to multiple viewings of the stage production (and now, presumably, the film)?
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 25 July 2026
Definition of presumably
Adverb
  • The franchise has been a perennial contender for years, though one of their first-ever household stars evidently feels that having played north of the border has been a challenge to his legacy.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • People won’t buy welcome mats, evidently, from a guy with such spacing.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Definition of evidently
Adverb
  • There’s nothing unique about hating high school, but most people who vow never to return to their hometowns probably don’t hail from New York City.
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 July 2026
  • If a false accusation appears on a high-authority site, creating a blog post on your company website probably won't outrank it.
    — Victoria Marshall, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of probably

Browse Nearby Words

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 29 Jul. 2026.

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