OSTENSIVE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

ostensive

adjective

ä-ˈsten(t)-siv

Definition of ostensive

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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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 See All Example Sentences for ostensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensive

Adjective

That was until the nearby linesman alerted him to the fact that the goal was disallowed for an apparent foul.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026
That may also explain the apparent disconnect between the secondary and primary markets.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

Widespread totals of 2 to 4 inches, with up to 6 inches in the strongest thunderstorms, are possible from the western Florida Panhandle to southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and possibly the Texas coast.

— Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
To make that possible, companies must study their audience, track behavior, collect feedback and continually improve the experience rather than treating the website as a frozen asset.

— Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of possible

Adjective

The tea party emerged during Barack Obama’s presidency as a far-right ideological movement with an ostensible focus on fiscal conservatism.

— Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 7 July 2026
Second-year center Ariel Hukporti is at it again — and so is his ostensible drinking mate, Jeremy Sochan.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026

Definition of ostensible

Adjective

These innocuous-seeming actions can kindle dry vegetation, potentially spawning a wildfire.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
The princess was spotted wearing a gold nautical charm bracelet on her wrist—a seeming nod to the one famously given to her late grandmother Princess Diana by her then-husband Prince Charles after their wedding on July 29, 1981.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 13 July 2026

Definition of seeming

Adjective

Happy Gilmore is another obvious inspiration (even without the Netflix of it all) whenever Lonnie throws his clubs, talks to his ball, and calls on fans to chant his name before taking a swing.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
That particular prompt may have been rejected for an obvious reason, though.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

On Sunday, the Braves announced their probable starting pitchers for an upcoming four-game series against the Padres this week at Truist Park.

— Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 19 July 2026
Because of the probable length of the report, Silver was asked about reading such a voluminous amount of information and if things would be resolved before the start of next season.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of probable

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ostensibly

ostensive

ostensively

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“Ostensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensive. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ostensive

adjective

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