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

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 ostensible These conversations tend to invert the ostensible purpose of celebrity interviews. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025 This series’ chief villain, the tough-talking badass Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), killed at the end of Avatar but resurrected in Na’vi form in the second film (long story), has since become both a visual and spiritual foil for Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), our ostensible hero. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025 Criticism of Russia over its invasion of Ukraine is also muted, though ostensible allies in Europe are lambasted for censorship and lax migration policies. —

semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025 Early on Saturday morning, the actor took to social media to share a new 18-minute Zoom video featuring the ostensible marketing team behind the A24 film. —

Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ostensible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensible

Adjective

Police vans behind a temporary metal fence secured the road to the athletes’ village, but the protesters veered away, continuing their apparent route toward the Santagiulia venue.

— Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Guthrie siblings post back-to-back videos addressed to captors The urgency to find Guthrie was apparent in an emotional plea posted in two videos released one day apart.

— Sarah Lapidus, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026

Definition of apparent

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ossifying

ostensible

ostensibly

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“Ostensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensible. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of ostensible

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