ostensive

adjective

ä-ˈsten(t)-siv How to pronounce ostensive (audio)
Definition of ostensivenext
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

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensive
  1. apparent
  2. presumed
  3. possible
  4. ostensible
  5. seeming
  6. obvious
  7. probable
Adjective
  • Instead, the conjecture addresses a specific class of quantum computations and the conditions under which their apparent advantage can be reproduced classically.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Cavaliers freshman quarterback Hassir Houston had to be carried off the field with an apparent leg injury late in the first half but returned in the fourth quarter.
    — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • The presumed reasoning behind why the film was ignored is multilayered.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of presumed
Adjective
  • Digital twin technology makes this possible by creating virtual representations of real-world objects, systems, and processes that can be updated with operational data.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The meteorological agency warned people to brace for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially the next two to three days.
    — Yuri Kageyama, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • The timing suggested that the United States was consciously undercutting an ostensible ally, pressuring Zelensky to step aside or risk catastrophic outcomes on the battlefield.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But even absent that, congressional Democrats can partner with international experts to help determine who was killed and for what ostensible reason.
    — Anjali Dayal, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of ostensible
Adjective
  • The guessing game about who will lead the department in the near future has been fueled at least in part by Raman’s seeming indecisiveness on the matter.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Here is another mindless invitation to participation out of a seeming fear of the artwork being allowed to exist for itself, without some form of justification or declaration of benevolence.
    — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of seeming
Adjective
  • While Pentagon funding is the most obvious must for some Republicans, others would push to include measures to address the cost of living, elections, farm aid, and more.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Though Pasta was not a traditional Italian restaurant, offering only a couple of appetizers and desserts and pasta dishes, the glut was obvious.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Fitzgerald was listed as probable on Wednesday’s injury report.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Injury report Antetokounmpo has surfaced on the Heat injury report, listed as probable for Wednesday night, with a sprained right wrist.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of probable

Browse Nearby Words

ostensibly
ostensive
ostensively
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Cite this Entry

“Ostensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensive. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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