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

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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

Examples 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 But many were ostensible American clients or allies, such as the Persian Gulf monarchies, which exerted their influence across Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, and elsewhere, sometimes with direct military force. —

David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024 Given the incoming administration’s blatant hostility towards LGBTQ+ people — in particular transgender Americans — the costs of our ostensible legislative champions capitulating to extremists’ demands that vilify and target the LGBTQ+ community are simply too high. —

Jen Cousins and Kbf Francis, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Dec. 2024 Lowe’s ostensible mission is to shuttle Roan around her native Missouri, Lipa around Tokyo before a gig, and Gaga around Los Angeles on her way to a studio session. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024 But the six episodes made available to critics are too preoccupied with Martian’s ostensible nuttiness to say anything about our world. —

Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ostensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible

Adjective

Some of that was apparent in 2024 as cybersecurity incidents at UnitedHealth Group and Crowdstrike had unexpected and unprecedented impacts.

Bob Zukis, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
That apparent indifference on this key question will force the House and Senate to attempt to resolve their differences among themselves.

Axios, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025