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 While the ostensible purpose of the ASPREE study is to look at aspirin's effects in older adults (the acronym stands for ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly), the effort has produced an impressive database of multiple health markers across populations in Australia and the United States. —

Michael Franco, New Atlas, 21 Nov. 2024 But even this position — that U.S. manufacturing and fossil fuels should be supported for its ostensible climate benefits — offers a way forward as well. —

Saul Elbein, The Hill, 20 Nov. 2024 But the trip means far more to the two men than its ostensible purpose suggests. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024 This last-minute casting shift delighted Williamson, who’d been influenced by Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, in which Janet Leigh — introduced as the ostensible star of the film — is killed off early on. —

Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ostensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible

Adjective

Though the Dodgers reportedly had the most funds available to spend on the 2024 class, Sasaki’s apparent shift to the 2025 class should not sway much in what is expected to be a dogged pursuit of the Japanese right-hander.

Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
Furthermore, the information was not recovered by journalists or authorities, who were able to quickly uncover Mangione's apparent social media profiles including his Goodreads, LinkedIn, and Instagram accounts.

Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024