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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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

Adjective

Several police officers responded and found the suspect holding an apparent firearm.

— Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
Elsewhere, manager David Moyes will have been satisfied that right-back Nathan Patterson, who has no apparent future at Everton, got enough minutes in Scotland’s three matches to provide a bargaining lever with any clubs interested in him.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of apparent

Adjective

High school athletes have four years to put themselves in the best possible position to be noticed by college recruiters, and playing time is hard to come by for most underclassmen.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Our priority is to help as many team members as possible transition into opportunities within our other Sushi Confidential locations.

— Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Definition of possible

Adjective

In the sole panel now summarizing Washington’s participation, nearly every paragraph makes some mention of his ostensible antislavery views.

— John Garrison Marks, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026
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

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

In unionized environments with collective agreements, policy and law require a job posting even when the hire is obvious.

— Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Running was the most obvious trigger, but long walks, certain pilates classes, tight workout clothes, bathing suits, anything that involved movement or compression made the discomfort worse.

— Anonymous, Allure, 23 July 2026

Definition of obvious

Adjective

The Royals have not announced who their probable pitcher on Tuesday night at Minnesota.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
In quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Rams have the NFL reigning most valuable player — a probable future hall of famer still conducting master classes of his craft.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of probable

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ostensibly

ostensive

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“Ostensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensive. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ostensive

adjective

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