ostensibly

adverb

ä-ˈsten(t)-sə-blē How to pronounce ostensibly (audio)
Definition of ostensiblynext
Enter your own sentence containing ostensibly , and get words to replace it.
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as in apparently
to all outward appearances ostensibly a university student studying abroad, he was actually an espionage agent

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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 ostensibly Officials, in turn, have at least ostensibly acquiesced while appealing decisions the administration opposes. — Christine Adams / Made By History, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025 His ostensibly innocuous shot from well above the left circle clipped Dostál and then slipped through him to open the scoring. — Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025 Beyond that, vitamin makers are ostensibly barred from making false or misleading claims. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 7 Mar. 2025 These movements ostensibly supporting and elevating military service are also measures to keep veterans on a leash, the ISW said. — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensibly
  1. apparently
  2. seemingly
  3. supposedly
  4. presumably
  5. evidently
  6. probably
Adverb
  • Unfortunately, the breed is particularly prone to getting overweight, and this tendency apparently is more severe in Labradors purpose-bred for service.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025
  • And apparently that was one of the longest, if not the longest Tribal Council in Survivor history.
    — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of apparently
Adverb
  • So if the seemingly changing motions of the heavens could be predicted, maybe earthly events could be, too.
    — James Byrne, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Arakawa is believed to have died first, around Feb. 11, while Hackman seemingly died about a week later, as the last activity on his pacemaker was recorded on Feb. 18.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of seemingly
Adverb
  • Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live and the man most single-handedly responsible for O’Brien’s stardom, supposedly hated it.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Seething international tensions over the South China Sea have struck an unlikely victim in Vietnam: popular children's dolls pulled from shops over a facial mark supposedly resembling Beijing's claims in the flashpoint waterway.
    — Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of supposedly
Adverb
  • More news: Way Too Early AFC East Predictions for 2025 Season Following Wild Free Agency Minshew will presumably act as QB2 and will suit up in case anything happens to one of the most durable quarterbacks in the entire league.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Even if, by the end of the tune, the plowman who sings it has lost his farm, and Bessie’s missing and presumably buried on it somewhere.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of presumably
Adverb
  • Two top lawyers deeply involved in that scheme are no longer at the firm, which Trump is evidently trying to put out of business.
    — Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Gentle and generous, and evidently not shy, Reynolds made friends quickly.
    — Karen Chernick, ARTnews.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of evidently
Adverb
  • Use a Steamer Using a handheld clothing steamer is probably the most popular alternative to traditional ironing.
    — Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Butler, 2011: The Bulldogs were probably a little underrated entering the Big Dance in 2011, coming off of an appearance in the national title game the year before.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of probably

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Cite this Entry

“Ostensibly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensibly. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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