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
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Recent Examples of ostensibly
To what degree are documentary filmmakers tempted to fiddle with reality while ostensibly presenting a clear and unadulterated image of it?
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
The reason, ostensibly, is that South Korea’s parliament isn’t acting fast enough to enact the agreement.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
They’re ostensibly meant to set the tone for negotiation and eventually improve the US trade balance.
—Tracy Alloway, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026
Correa, who is set to make $31 million next season, has an extensive injury history that ostensibly made his contract more difficult to insure.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
The reason, ostensibly, is that South Korea’s parliament isn’t acting fast enough to enact the agreement.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
They’re ostensibly meant to set the tone for negotiation and eventually improve the US trade balance.
—Tracy Alloway, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026
Correa, who is set to make $31 million next season, has an extensive injury history that ostensibly made his contract more difficult to insure.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ostensibly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostensibly
Adverb
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And yes, apparently that was a real wedding that happened during the halftime show, according to Variety.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
9 Feb. 2026
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Panarin has a no-move clause, and apparently was quite willing to use it as leverage to control his destination.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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In her ruling Monday, Snyder blocked only the ban on masking by federal agents, and on seemingly narrow grounds.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
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The 38-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins captain has always handled pressure with a seemingly innate knowing and calm.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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According to the Wall Street Journal, Karp knew Epstein professionally through his work representing Leon Black, the Wall Street billionaire who paid Epstein more than a hundred and fifty million dollars, supposedly for tax and estate planning.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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Trump is supposedly a very big fan of the Rush Hour franchise and is hoping for a new installment.—
Hanna Rosin,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Lastly, the letter writer presumably does not understand the concept that all immigrants have a right to file a claim of asylum.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Feb. 2026
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The kit includes a 1-ounce tin of premium Baerii Sturgeon caviar from Paramount Caviar, a $25 McDonald's gift card (presumably for the nuggets), crème fraîche and a Mother of Pearl caviar spoon to complete the experience.—
Eddie Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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The revelation is evidently taking its toll on Musk, who began a desperate campaign to clear his name on social media.—
Joe Wilkins Published Feb 5,
Futurism,
5 Feb. 2026
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The loan route was there and, evidently, a means to finding the money down the line was there too.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Some are strong sellers that are being made available at sizeable discounts, while others are older medications, have inexpensive generic alternatives or are being offered at prices that are probably comparable to what drugmakers receive from insurers.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
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Most are passionate about food and/or art, probably the two leading draws for anyone visiting San Miguel.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ostensibly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostensibly. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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