OSTENSIBLE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'ostensible' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ostensible are apparent , illusory , and seeming . While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one. // the ostensible reason for their visit

Q: When is it sensible to use 'apparent' instead of 'ostensible'?

The words apparent and ostensible can be used in similar contexts, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge. // the apparent cause of the accident

Q: When is 'illusory' a more appropriate choice than 'ostensible'?

Although the words illusory and ostensible have much in common, illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view. // an illusory sense of security

Q: When would 'seeming' be a good substitute for 'ostensible'?

The synonyms seeming and ostensible are sometimes interchangeable, but seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else. // the seeming simplicity of the story

ostensible

adjective

ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-bəl

Definition of ostensible next

as in apparent

appearing to be true on the basis of evidence that may or may not be confirmed the ostensible reason for the meeting turned out to be a trick to get him to the surprise party

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective ostensible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ostensible are apparent, illusory, and seeming. While all these words mean "not actually being what appearance indicates," ostensible suggests a discrepancy between an openly declared or naturally implied aim or reason and the true one.

the ostensible reason for their visit

When is it sensible to use apparent instead of ostensible?

The words apparent and ostensible can be used in similar contexts, but apparent suggests appearance to unaided senses that may or may not be borne out by more rigorous examination or greater knowledge.

the apparent cause of the accident

When is illusory a more appropriate choice than ostensible?

Although the words illusory and ostensible have much in common, illusory implies a false impression based on deceptive resemblance or faulty observation, or influenced by emotions that prevent a clear view.

an illusory sense of security

When would seeming be a good substitute for ostensible?

The synonyms seeming and ostensible are sometimes interchangeable, but seeming implies a character in the thing observed that gives it the appearance, sometimes through intent, of something else.

the seeming simplicity of the story

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 ostensible The show opened on Jan. 18 in Arkansas and this week played two shows at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, where it was savaged by ostensible fans of the series, according to WXYZ Detroit, an ABC affiliate. —

John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2025 The ostensible breakthrough in Chinese AI may be more a function of mundane theft than techno-wizardry. —

Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 29 Jan. 2025 The film indulges Elvira’s fantasies with blasts of ethereal, anachronistic synth music and brief, hazy dream sequences; that the movie’s ostensible present doesn’t quite feel real also adds to the protagonist’s helplessness. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 Jesse Eisenberg — who wrote, directed, and stars opposite Culkin — is the ostensible protagonist David, Benji’s uptight, socially awkward cousin who envies and pities him in equal measure, but A Real Pain is Culkin’s showcase. —

Rachel Handler, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ostensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible

Adjective

The film’s general rigidity and lack of thrills become more apparent when Levi accidentally falls into the gorge.

— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Feb. 2025
The Sixers lose to all sorts of teams, with no apparent traits that should target Philadelphia’s weakness.

— Jared Weiss, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025