outwardly

adverb

out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē How to pronounce outwardly (audio)
Synonyms of outwardlynext
1
a
: on the outside : externally
b
: toward the outside
2
: in outward state, behavior, or appearance
was outwardly friendly

Examples of outwardly in a Sentence

The two brothers may be outwardly similar, but their personalities couldn't be more different. Though extremely nervous, she was able to remain outwardly calm during the interview. Outwardly, their marriage seemed quite normal.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That’s all fine for now, and the administration deserves enormous credit for reversing course on the outwardly hostile approach to crypto of the previous administration. — Norbert Michel, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Many people assume that food insecurity rates peaked in 2020, when those facing hunger became more outwardly visible, Babineaux-Fontenot says, but the problem is now more pressing than ever. — Solcyré Burga, TIME, 20 Feb. 2025 The decision to allow her daughter to socially transition—to present outwardly as a girl, and to adopt female pronouns—was made under the guidance of doctors. — Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025 Ne-Yo is in the era of embracing his truth, and that looks like being outwardly polyamorous. — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outwardly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outwardly was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Outwardly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outwardly. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

outwardly

adverb
out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē How to pronounce outwardly (audio)
: on the outside : in outward appearance
outwardly calm

More from Merriam-Webster on outwardly

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for outwardly

Nglish: Translation of outwardly for Spanish Speakers

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