Synonyms for

Ostensibly

Verb / ɑ:ˈstensʌbli: / Another word for ostensibly — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually

Synonyms & similar words

onthefaceofit apparently seemingly apparently seemingly outwardly allegedly supposedly reportedly presumably purportedly putatively ostensive ostensible

Synonyms by register

Formal

purportedly allegedly supposedly professedly

Informal

apparently seemingly on the face of it as far as one can tell

Literary

avowedly ostensive

Antonyms

actually really truly certainly undeniably verifiably

Common collocations

  • ostensibly true
  • ostensibly a
  • ostensibly for
  • ostensibly to
  • ostensibly the
  • ostensibly about
  • ostensibly a reason

Word family

noun ostension
adjective ostensive

Usage note

Used to indicate that something appears to be true or is stated to be true, but may not be. It often implies doubt or suspicion about the stated reason or appearance.

Example sentences

  1. Ostensibly, he was just taking a walk, but I think he was spying on us.
  2. She went to the party ostensibly to celebrate, but really just to show off her new dress.
  3. The company's new policy was ostensibly designed to improve efficiency, but it actually just made everyone's job harder.
  4. He was ostensibly studying for his exam, but he spent most of the day playing video games.
  5. The politician's speech was ostensibly about tax reform, but he spent most of the time attacking his opponent.

Quotes

  • Ostensibly we were supposed to be working on a new album, but that wasn't happening.
  • Ostensibly, the new system was an improvement, but it had some serious flaws.
  • Ostensibly, the project was a success, but it went way over budget.

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