outwardly

adverb

out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē 

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

The internal struggle to remain strong for the family and community often leads to silently carrying emotional weight while outwardly uplifting others. —Essence, 10 Jan. 2025

In the lawsuit, the trade groups say the new rule violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a law that outwardly permits consumer reporting agencies to report information about medical debt and authorizes creditors to consider that information. —Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Jan. 2025

While China remains outwardly sanguine on North Korea, subtle differences in their diplomatic relations this year may signal rising frustration with Kim Jong Un's deepening military cooperation with Russia. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025

So, conveying dread and fear outwardly for this film was a new experience for him. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

outwardly

adverb

out·​ward·​ly ˈau̇t-wərd-lē 

: on the outside : in outward appearance

outwardly calm