as in apparent
appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed
the ostensive purpose of his visit was to discuss the terms of his will
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Recent Examples of ostensive
Just like Glaucon, the best this new interlocutor could do is an ostensive definition - provide examples of justice - or possibly present the etymology of the word.
—
Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023
The ostensive unpopularity of violet versus purple nagged at the back of Tager’s mind for much of his life, eventually setting him on a 20-year journey across 193 museums in 42 countries.
—Stephen MacKnik, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2021
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023
The ostensive unpopularity of violet versus purple nagged at the back of Tager’s mind for much of his life, eventually setting him on a 20-year journey across 193 museums in 42 countries.
—Stephen MacKnik, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2021
The United Arab Emirates has taken advantage of the fight and now dominates the south, squeezing out its ostensive ally, Hadi.
—Washington Post, 12 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensive
Adjective
-
The second series investigates deaths involving apparent falls from heights — examining whether victims were pushed from locations like balconies, cliffs and bridges.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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The consequences of the current fracturing may not be apparent right away.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As Alfred Hitchcock’s tale of murder and depravity builds to its climax, the film’s ostensible hero, tennis professional Guy Haines (Farley Granger), needs to get out ahead of the psychopath (Robert Walker) who means to frame him for a murder.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 Aug. 2025
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As three Navy destroyers and three amphibious warships move toward the coast of Venezuela this weekend in an ostensible U.S. counternarcotics operation, the Trump administration’s show of force is rekindling memories of another presidency, era and country.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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There is some negative buzz around the movie, mostly down to the casting of Jared Leto, along with the seeming absence of Sam Flynn and Quorra from the sequel.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For less obvious water damage, car owners might eventually smell mold or mildew.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
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All of which raises an obvious question.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That makes the iX3 and the larger iX5 probable production targets for fuel cells, according to BMW’s Board Member for Development, Joachim Post.—
Michael Taylor,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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The cone represents the storm center's probable path.—
Christine Rapp,
NBC news,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ostensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensive. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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